S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stocks are enjoying a strong end to the week, and indeed a strong start to 2026.

During the Friday lunch hour, the ASX 200 is up 0.2%. This sees the benchmark index up a healthy 2.4% in the new year.

Here’s how the big four ASX 200 energy stocks stack up:

• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are up 1% today and up 7.3% year to date
• Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares are up 2.9% today and up 14.7% year to date
• Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares are up 2.1% today and up 6.2% year to date
• Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares are up 3.3% today and up 13.5% year to date

Here’s what’s driving the outperformance.

ASX 200 energy stocks buoyed by rising global oil prices

Many analysts had been advising investors in ASX 200 energy stocks like Woodside and Santos to expect ongoing weakness in global oil prices in 2026. Those forecasts are based on supply growth outpacing demand growth.

But the early days of the new year aren’t quite playing out that way.

International benchmark Brent crude oil prices leapt 3.4% overnight to currently be trading for US$70.71 per barrel. That’s the highest oil price since July. And it sees the Brent crude oil price up 16.2% in 2026.

Much of these gains look to be linked to increasing sabre rattling from United States President Donald Trump.

Indeed, oil prices have taken a sharp turn higher after Trump threatened to attack Iran if the nation doesn’t make a deal on its nuclear ambitions.

US warships are steaming to the region, leading to fears of military conflict, and that Iran may retaliate by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. It’s far from the first time Iran has threatened to disrupt the vital, narrow shipping passage, with previous historic disruptions also sending global oil prices soaring.

Commenting on the geopolitical tensions impacting global oil markets, and by connection ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside, Citigroup analyst Anthony Yuen said (quoted by Bloomberg):

The potential for Iran getting hit has escalated the geopolitical premium of oil prices by potentially US$3 to US$4 a barrel. Oil prices can stay more elevated than many had expected, despite markets starting the year anticipating large oversupply.

What’s the latest on Woodside shares?

Woodside shares closed up 2.7% on Wednesday after the company released its December quarter results.

The ASX 200 energy stock reported record production for the full 2025 calendar year of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe). Investors reacted positively, with production exceeding Woodside’s full-year guidance of 192 to197 MMboe.

Woodside reported full-year revenue of US$12.98 billion.

The post Why ASX 200 energy stocks like Santos and Woodside shares are ending the week with a bang appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Woodside shares storm higher on record production

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.

Manuka Resources Ltd (ASX: MKR) has updated the prefeasibility study for its Cobar Basin silver project, saying it can produce 13 million ounces of silver and healthy profits over a 10-year mine plan.

The company said in a statement to the ASX on Friday that it could produce 35,000 ounces of silver and 35,000 ounces of gold from existing stockpiles and open pits at the Wonawinta Silver Mine and the Mt Boppy Gold Mine in New South Wales.

Manuka said the mining plan was expected to generate an average EBITDA of $127 million per year at an average cost of production of $34.40 per ounce of silver. This compares with the current price of silver of $170.88.

Pre-production capital costs were expected to be $26.6 million.

Funding almost locked in

The company said this regarding the funding of the project:

The company raised $15 million in October 2025 and is in the final stages of reaching a binding agreement for a US$22.5 million debt facility with Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund. This ensures Manuka is fully funded to production and profitability.

The project includes the Wonawinta mines as well as an existing processing plant, which was placed on care and maintenance in early 2024 after intermittently processing silver and gold ore from 2021 to 2023.

The production plan outlined in the new prefeasibility study calls for recommissioning the plant to boost performance, followed by processing silver ore from selected stockpiles and five open pits.

Existing gold ore from Mt Boppy would also be processed.

Manuka is also doing further exploration work at Mt Boppy, which it said had historically delivered about 500,000 ounces of gold.

Manuka Executive Chairman Dennis Karp said this regarding the project:

Manuka is uniquely positioned among junior ASX resource companies as one that is well set to translate historically high silver and gold prices into substantial near-term cash returns for the Company and its shareholders. With our existing 1Mtpa processing plant set to restart within the coming months, debt funding to support the modest capital costs nearing finalisation, and an initial 10-year production plan demonstrating outstanding economics, Manuka presents both as a compelling and significantly undervalued investment opportunity. Project execution is ramping up, and we look forward to providing updates to the market as we progress towards first production.

Mauka Resources shares were steady at 22 cents on Friday after hitting a high of 22.5 cents.

The shares are up from a low of just 2.3 cents over the past 12 months.

Manuka was valued at $319.5 million at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post This 10-bagger silver stock has just updated its mining plans appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has given back its morning gains and dropped into the red. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.15% to 8,913.7 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is up 3% to $3.53. This follows news that the respiratory imaging technology has expanded its partnership with University of Chicago Medicine to include commercial deployment of CT:VQ. 4DMedical’s founder CEO, Andreas Fouras, said: “University of Chicago Medicine is one of the nation’s most respected AMCs and a pioneer in medical innovation. Their expansion of our partnership to include CT:VQ represents powerful validation of both the clinical value our technology delivers and the strength of our commercialisation approach.”

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price is up a further 24% to $1.75. This artificial intelligence data services company’s shares have been on fire this week following the release of a strong quarterly update. Appen reported revenue of $73.4 million. This was a 10% lift on the prior corresponding period and a 33% increase on the third quarter of FY 2025. Appen’s CEO, Ryan Kolln, said: “Q4 was a strong finish to the year for both our China and Global businesses. Appen China exited the quarter with an annualised revenue run-rate growing to over $135 million – a pleasing result, providing strong momentum heading into FY26.”

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC)

The Nine Entertainment share price is up 4.5% to $1.14. This morning, the media company announced a major strategic shake-up. This includes acquiring digital outdoor media platform QMS Media for $850 million. In addition, it is offloading its radio assets and transitioning its regional TV station NBN to affiliate status. Nine’s CEO, Matt Stanton, said: “Today’s announcements mark a critical milestone in our Nine2028 transformation. These transactions will create a more efficient, higher-growth, and digitally powered Nine Group for our consumers, advertisers, shareholders and people.”

ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)

The ResMed share price is up 3.5% to $37.66. Investors have been buying this sleep disorder treatment company’s shares following the release of another strong quarterly update. ResMed reported an 11% increase in revenue US$1.4 billion thanks to increased demand for its portfolio of sleep devices, masks, and accessories. And thanks to further margin expansion, ResMed posted an 18% increase in income from operations. ResMed’s chairman and CEO, Mick Farrell, said: “Our second quarter results demonstrate the strength and resilience of our global business as we continue advancing our mission to help people sleep better, breathe better, and live longer and healthier lives in the comfort of their own home.”

The post Why 4DMedical, Appen, Nine Entertainment, and ResMed shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

When a company as established as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) loses around $45 billion in market value, it’s worth stopping to ask a simple question. Has the long-term investment case really deteriorated that much, or has sentiment run well ahead of reality?

At around $183.81 a share, CSL shares are trading a long way below their 52-week high of $282.20. Its market capitalisation has fallen from roughly $135 billion at its peak to closer to $90 billion today. That is a massive reset for one of the ASX’s highest-quality healthcare businesses.

I think the market has gone too far.

Why has sentiment turned so negative

There’s no denying that CSL has had a difficult period, and the share price weakness didn’t come out of nowhere.

The biggest source of frustration has been CSL Behring, the plasma therapies division that underpins the long-term growth story. Margin recovery has been slower than expected as the business works through higher collection costs and post-pandemic inefficiencies.

At the same time, the Seqirus vaccines business has been impacted by weaker-than-expected influenza vaccination rates in the US, forcing management to lower near-term expectations.

China has also weighed on results. Softer demand for albumin products has pressured volumes and added another headwind during a period when investor patience was already thin.

The CSL112 setback that still hangs over sentiment

One issue that is sometimes forgotten but remains important is the failed CSL112 program in 2024.

CSL112 was being evaluated in the Phase 3 AEGIS-II trial for its ability to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events following an acute myocardial infarction. While the drug showed no major safety or tolerability concerns, it did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint.

As a result, CSL confirmed there are no plans for a near-term regulatory filing. This was a significant blow, given that analysts had previously estimated peak sales potential of up to US$3 billion per year. Even though this outcome is now well understood, it continues to weigh on investor confidence in CSL’s pipeline.

Why I think CSL shares have been sold off too far

While these challenges explain why sentiment is poor, I don’t think they justify the scale of value destruction.

CSL remains one of only three global tier-one plasma companies, operating in an oligopolistic market with extremely high barriers to entry. Its control of plasma collection capacity, the key constraint in the system, has not changed.

Many of the current headwinds are cyclical or transitional rather than structural. Influenza vaccination rates can recover. Albumin demand in China can normalise. Plasma margins can improve as efficiency initiatives take hold.

Even the CSL112 failure, while disappointing, does not undermine CSL’s broader research and development capability. Drug development carries inherent risk, and CSL has a long track record of disciplined, commercially focused R&D.

Foolish Takeaway

At today’s share price, expectations are far lower than they were a few years ago. The market no longer assumes rapid margin recovery or flawless execution, which I think creates a more balanced risk-reward profile.

I’m not expecting a quick return to previous highs. But when a world-class healthcare business loses around $50 billion in value while its core competitive advantages remain intact, it suggests to me that the market has become overly pessimistic.

That’s why I think the market is wrong about CSL shares.

The post I think the market is wrong about CSL shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a subdued finish to the week. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down slightly to 8,924.1 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Imricor Medical Systems Inc (ASX: IMR)

The Imricor Medical Systems share price is down 2% to $2.01. This may have been driven by profit-taking from investors following a strong gain on Thursday. Investors were buying the medical device company’s shares after it received US FDA approval for its NorthStar Mapping System. NorthStar is the first and only MRI-native 3D mapping and guidance system to receive FDA clearance. Imricor’s chair and CEO, Steve Wedan, commented: “At Imricor, we have been building a comprehensive suite of uniquely MRI-compatible devices for two decades. These devices, which include both consumable products and capital equipment, enable doctors to harness the superior soft tissue imaging of MRI to precisely guide minimally invasive procedures in a 100% radiation-free setting.”

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

The Ioneer share price is down 18% to 17 cents. Investors have been selling this lithium developer’s shares after it raised capital. Ioneer revealed that it has received firm commitments from institutional, professional, and sophisticated investors to raise approximately US$50 million (approximately A$72 million) at a discount of 18 cents per new share. The company’s executive chair, James Calaway, said: “The result of this offering is a strong endorsement of Ioneer’s strategy and the market’s understanding of the unique value and importance of Rhyolite Ridge to help onshore U.S. critical minerals production. This funding milestone allows us to aggressively move towards commencing construction and advancing discussions with potential strategic partners.”

Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR)

The Star Entertainment share price is down 12.5% to 14 cents. This follows the release of the casino and resorts operator’s quarterly update. Star reported a 6% increase in revenue to $301 million and positive group EBITDA of $6 million. The latter compares to an EBITDA loss of $13 million in the first quarter. It seems that the market was expecting even more from Star Entertainment.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven Coal share price is down 4% to $9.06. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the coal miner’s shares to a sell rating with an $8.40 price target. It said: “We move to a Sell recommendation with strong recent share price performance. In the medium term, WHC are positioned to capitalise when coal markets sustainably improve with a diversified portfolio of assets in Queensland and New South Wales and strong organic growth optionality.”

The post Why Imricor, Ioneer, Star, and Whitehaven Coal shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Australian technology stocks have taken a bit of a beating recently, the team at RBC Capital Markets says, with foreign exchange risks and questions around artificial intelligence likely to remain front of mind for investors in the coming reporting season.

In a research note to clients this week, RBC said the Australian market had been caught up in the “AI euphoria risk trade, with the market seeing materially lower barriers to entry and disintermediation risks potentially impacting sales/margins over the medium long/term”

This had led to sharp down-ratings for some technology stocks over recent months, with some share prices halving over the past half year, RBC said.

They added:

We believe certain names have higher moats and are better protected, however marrying up an attractive entry point is difficult in the midst of negative macro tech sentiment and the tide running out fast.

The companies singled out as having a decent moat were Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), and Wisetech Ltd (ASX: WTC).

On the risk front, some companies were facing increasing earnings risks from the higher Australian dollar, including Pro Medicus, Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN), and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1).

Good value stocks abound

While RBC has flagged plenty of risks in the sector, they also have outperform ratings and solid price targets on eight stocks.

For Technology One, RBC says their UK growth narrative is continuing, and the company “has demonstrated the best AI capabilities we’ve seen to date amongst our coverage with its new PLUS Ai platform being released in market this year with monetisation into 2027”.

RBC has a price target of $32 on Technology One shares compared with $25.62 currently.

For Wisetech, they have a price target of $100 against $59.01 currently, saying the take-up of the company’s new commercial model “should see positive tailwinds in 2H26”.

RBC has a price target of $155 for Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares, compared with $94.37 currently, saying the demand environment was “healthy” and that there could be a catalyst for a rerating in February, when the company demonstrates its Melio product offering.

On the data centre front, RBC says NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) is benefiting from the AI and cloud computing boom, adding that “hyperscalers continue to materially increase their capex on data centre-related investments, evidence of a healthy demand environment”.

RBC has a price target of $20 on NextDC shares compared with $13.21 currently.

And on much the same theme relating to data centre demand, it has a price target of $90 on Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) compared with $69.60 currently.

For Hansen Technologies, RBC has a price target of $6.25, while on the speculative side, they have a price target for Megaport of $18 compared with $11.81 currently.

And last but not least, for Fineos Corporation Holdings Plc (ASX: FCL), RBC has a price target of $3 versus $2.30 currently.

The post Eight stocks to buy in the bruised tech sector according to RBC appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in Nextdc, Pro Medicus, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended FINEOS Corporation, Megaport, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended FINEOS Corporation, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Star Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SGR) share price is down around 6% at the time of writing despite the embattled casino operator reporting a return to positive quarterly EBITDA, and offering investors a rare sign of progress after a prolonged period of losses, regulatory pressure, and balance sheet strain.

The December quarter delivered a sharp swing from losses, helped by stronger trading at its Gold Coast property and a higher operator fee from the Brisbane property.

What did Star Entertainment report?

For the three months ended 31 December 2025 (Q2 FY26), Star reported revenue of $301 million, up 6% on the previous quarter, and positive group EBITDA of $6 million, compared with an EBITDA loss of $13 million in Q1.

That is welcome news, but there is a notable caveat because all the EBITDA figures disclosed are before adjusting for significant items, which will be detailed separately when the company releases its half-year results.

The results reflected varied performance levels across the group’s properties. The Gold Coast property delivered EBITDA of $10 million, benefiting from seasonally stronger gaming and hospitality volumes. Star Brisbane posted EBITDA of $4 million, driven by operator fee revenue under its casino management agreement, including a one-off true-up related to earlier periods.

By contrast, The Star Sydney remained loss-making, with negative EBITDA of $8 million, reflecting the ongoing impact of mandatory carded play and cash limits in NSW. Management noted that while trading in Sydney has stabilised, revenue levels remain well below historical levels.

What else do investors need to know?

While the return to positive EBITDA is encouraging, it does not signal a clean recovery. Operating conditions remain challenging across all properties due to tighter regulations and ongoing compliance requirements.

Liquidity is also a key issue. Star reported available cash of $130 million at the end of December, but management reiterated that the company’s ability to continue as a going concern depends on resolving several material uncertainties. These include refinancing discussions with lenders ahead of upcoming covenant testing, and the timing and quantum of the still-pending AUSTRAC judgment.

The company is currently engaging with existing and potential lenders on a refinancing process, though it cautioned there is no certainty around the outcome or timing.

What comes next?

Star said significant items will be disclosed when it releases its half-year results, which will provide a clearer picture of its underlying profitability and balance sheet position.

Investors will also be watching for updates on refinancing, regulatory outcomes, and whether EBITDA improvements can be sustained beyond seasonal factors.

Foolish bottom line

Returning to positive quarterly EBITDA is an important milestone for Star Entertainment, but the result comes before significant items, and major risks remain around regulation, funding, and compliance. That could be part of the reason why shares are sinking lower today.

Another potential reason could be investors simply taking some recent gains off the table, as Star Entertainment shares had risen 33% over the last year prior to today’s announcement.

For investors, this quarter looks more like a step away from the brink than a full turnaround. The half-year results will be critical in determining whether Star is genuinely stabilising or simply enjoying a temporary reprieve.

The post Star Entertainment shares sink 6% despite positive EBITDA appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Imricor, Ioneer, Star, and Whitehaven Coal shares are falling today

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 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 Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price is surging again today.

Shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) tech stock, which provides data solutions for AI applications, closed up 29.1% yesterday, trading for $1.41. In late morning trade on Friday, shares are changing hands for $1.81 apiece, up another 28.4%.

This sees the Appen share price up a blistering 66.5% since Wednesday’s close.

For some context, the All Ords is up 0.2% since end of trade on Wednesday.

Here’s what’s been sending the ASX AI stock leaping higher.

(*Note, all figures below in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated.)

Appen share price rockets on strong quarter

ASX investors lit a fuse under the Appen share price on Thursday following the release of the company’s December quarter results. With no fresh news out from Appen today, it looks like those results are spurring ongoing interest in the stock.

Highlights from the three months to 31 December included a 10% year-on-year increase in revenue to $73.4 million, driven by the expansion of generative AI-related projects.

Revenue at Appen China was up 81% from the prior corresponding period to $32 million. However, Appen Global revenue declined by 16% year on year to $41.4 million.

Investor enthusiasm was also spurred, with the company reporting a 182% year-on-year increase in its underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $13.3 million (before foreign exchange movements).

Turning to the balance sheet, Appen held $59.8 million cash as at 31 December (AU$85 million at current exchange rates).

What did management say?

Commenting on the results that have sent the Appen share price rocketing, CEO Ryan Kolln said, “Q4 was a strong finish to the year for both our China and Global businesses.”

He noted that, “Appen China exited the quarter with an annualised revenue run-rate growing to over $135 million – a pleasing result, providing strong momentum heading into FY26.”

As for Appen Global, Kolln said:

The Appen Global division continues to improve as the business has executed against its turnaround strategy in a highly dynamic market. Q4 delivered a pleasing 56% revenue growth compared to the prior quarter and underlying EBITDA of $10.2 million – a significant improvement on Q3 and pcp.

Kolln credited that growth to new project wins, including a “$10 million-plus generative AI opportunity that has grown faster than expected and has continued into FY26”.

Looking at what could impact the Appen share price in the months ahead, Kolln pointed to the company’s strong balance sheet and added, “Appen is well positioned to capture growth at a global scale as AI adoption deepens across consumer, enterprise and emerging applications.”

The post Appen share price surging 67% since Wednesday. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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 positions in and has recommended Appen. 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.

When a high-quality growth stock goes through a brutal reset, it naturally raises an important question. If the business recovers and sentiment improves, what could the upside actually look like?

That’s the question I want to explore with WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares.

WiseTech shares are trading at $58.67 on Friday, well below where the market once valued the company. Bell Potter currently has a buy recommendation and a $100 price target on the shares. If that target is reached and growth resumes at a more measured pace thereafter, the numbers start to get interesting.

Why WiseTech shares have been under pressure

WiseTech’s share price pullback hasn’t happened without reason. Growth in the core business slowed, and the company went through a difficult period marked by management and board upheaval, along with insider trading allegations involving founder and CEO Richard White.

As Bell Potter puts it, “WiseTech has also had a large pullback in its share price but this has been more driven by company specific issues like slowing growth in the core business, management and board upheaval and insider trading allegations against CEO and founder Richard White.”

Those issues damaged confidence and distracted the market from the underlying business.

Why the outlook is improving

The reason Bell Potter remains constructive is that many of those issues appear to be easing, with attention shifting back to execution.

According to the broker, focus is returning to the core business, which is improving “with the launch of new products, a new commercial model and the integration of a large acquisition (e2open).” These initiatives are expected to drive a much stronger second half of FY26 relative to the first half, with FY27 shaping up as the first full year where the benefits are felt.

Bell Potter does flag that risks remain, including the possibility of a soft downgrade to FY26 revenue guidance at the half-year result. But it also notes that “the 12-month outlook is positive in our view.”

What $1,000 could become over three years

Let’s run through a simple scenario based on the current share price of $58.67 and a $1,000 investment.

If the shares were to climb to Bell Potter’s $100.00 target over the next 12 months, that would represent a gain of roughly 70%.

In that scenario, the $1,000 investment would grow to approximately $1,700 after year one.

If WiseTech shares then deliver more steady growth of 10% per annum over the following two years, the numbers look like this:

After year two: $1,875
After year three: $2,062

That would see the original $1,000 investment more than double over three years.

Foolish takeaway

Of course, this outcome is not guaranteed. WiseTech still needs to execute on its new commercial model, successfully integrate e2open, and restore trust with investors. Any further governance or operational missteps would likely delay or derail this scenario.

But what stands out to me is the asymmetry. The share price already reflects a lot of pessimism, while even a partial recovery in confidence and growth could deliver meaningful upside.

If WiseTech can put its difficult period behind it and return to more predictable execution, the path from $1,000 to around $2,000 over three years does not look unrealistic, in my opinion. It simply requires the business to do what it has done successfully for much of its history.

The post How much could $1,000 in WiseTech shares be worth in 3 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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 positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX silver share Sun Silver Ltd (ASX: SS1) is taking a tumble today.

Sun Silver shares closed yesterday trading for $2.54. In morning trade on Friday, shares are swapping hands for $2.38 apiece, down 6.3%.

For some context, the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (ASX: XSO) is down 0.6% at this same time.

But you shouldn’t feel too bad for long-term shareholders.

Despite today’s retrace, the ASX silver share remains up 255.2% over the past 12 months, smashing the 23.1% one-year returns delivered by the Small Ords.

And investors who picked up the silver miner at its one-year closing low on 7 April will still be sitting on eye-popping gains of 332.1%. Or enough to turn an $8,000 investment into $34,568.

That meteoric rise has partly been fuelled by the surging silver price. Silver is currently trading for US$116 per ounce, right near the all-time highs set earlier this week. That sees the silver price up 268% since this time last year.

Investors have also been piling into Sun Silver shares amid the miner’s own successes on, and under, the ground.

But following the release of the company’s December quarterly update this morning, there looks to be some profit-taking going on today.

Here’s what’s happening.

ASX silver share boosts mineral resource by 59 million ounces

With shares up more than 330% in less than 10 months, investor expectations are clearly high for Sun Silver.

The ASX silver share is primarily focused on its cornerstone asset, the Maverick Springs Silver-Gold Project, which is located in the US state of Nevada.

And over the December quarter, the Maverick Springs mineral resource increased by 59 million ounces of silver equivalent (AgEq) to 539 million ounces of AgEq at 71g/t AgEq. Management credited the increased resource to the 2025 drill campaign and an “extensive historical re-assay program”.

(Note, the mineral resource is comprised of both silver and gold. Sun Silver reported 347.2 million ounces of silver at 45.5g/t Ag and 2.25 million ounces of gold at 0.30g/t Au.)

The Maverick Springs system remains open in all directions.

On the December quarter drilling campaign, Sun Silver noted:

Drilling results continued to validate the continuity, quality, and scale of silver-gold mineralisation across the system, reinforcing its position as a world-class, large-scale precious metals system.

As for the re-assay program, management said those results confirmed the presence of near surface antimony zones, “strengthening the potential for a maiden antimony mineral resource estimate” at Maverick Springs.

And potentially offering longer-term support for the ASX silver share, 2025 saw silver added to the US Department of the Interior critical minerals list. Sun Silver said this designation is “enhancing US and Australian government interest” in Maverick Springs.

The post Up 333% since April, why is this ASX silver share tumbling on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.