• Star Entertainment shares sink 6% despite positive EBITDA

    A gambler at a casino bets a pile of chips on one number.

    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.

    Should you invest $1,000 in The Star Entertainment Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy The Star Entertainment 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 The Star Entertainment 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 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.

  • Appen share price surging 67% since Wednesday. Here’s why

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

    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.

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

    Before you buy Appen 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 Appen 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 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.

  • How much could $1,000 in WiseTech shares be worth in 3 years?

    A woman with a mobile phone in her hand looks sceptical with a puzzled expression on her face with an eyebrow raised and pursed lips.

    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.

    Should you invest $1,000 in WiseTech Global right now?

    Before you buy WiseTech Global 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 WiseTech Global 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 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.

  • Up 333% since April, why is this ASX silver share tumbling on Friday?

    A gloved hand holds lumps of silver against a background of dirt as if at a mine site.

    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.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sun Silver right now?

    Before you buy Sun Silver 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 Sun Silver 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.

  • Uranium goes nuclear as prices surge 7% and hit a 23-month high

    A miner stands in front of an excavator at a mine site.

    Uranium has erupted back in the spotlight after a powerful rally this week.

    Prices have surged 7.84% today, pushing uranium to US$98.30 per pound and lifting gains to almost 20% for the month. The move takes the nuclear fuel to its highest level in almost 2 years.

    The rally reflects improving fundamentals across the uranium market, alongside renewed investor interest in both the commodity and uranium-linked equities.

    As prices break to multi-year highs, attention has returned to uranium miners and ETFs moving higher alongside the commodity.

    Demand is accelerating faster than supply

    The biggest driver behind uranium’s surge is a renewed lift in global demand.

    Nuclear power is firmly back on the agenda as governments and utilities scramble to secure reliable, low-carbon electricity. This shift has been supercharged by the rapid growth in data centres, artificial intelligence, and electrification, all of which require stable baseload power that renewables alone struggle to provide.

    As a result, utilities are moving earlier and more aggressively to lock in long-term uranium supply contracts. That behaviour is tightening an already thin market and pushing prices higher.

    Several industry reports now describe uranium as entering a multi-year structural bull market, with demand expected to outpace supply well into the second half of the decade.

    Supply challenges persist

    On the other side of the equation, uranium supply remains constrained.

    Years of underinvestment following the last uranium downturn have left the industry short of new production. Bringing new mines online takes time, capital, and regulatory approvals, meaning supply cannot respond quickly to higher prices.

    Geopolitical factors are also playing a role. Western countries are actively reducing reliance on Russian nuclear fuel, forcing utilities to source uranium from a smaller pool of producers. That shift has tightened the market further and reinforced the upward pressure on prices.

    Strategic buying adds fuel to the rally

    Adding momentum to the move has been renewed buying from physical uranium funds.

    In recent days, large-scale purchases of physical uranium have removed material volumes from the spot market, helping prices break through key psychological levels.

    One high-profile example is the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust, which recently purchased around 500,000 pounds of uranium. This has helped tighten available supply and support prices at key levels.

    How can investors gain exposure?

    For investors looking to tap into the uranium sector without picking individual miners, ETFs are one option.

    The Betashares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM) offers diversified exposure to global uranium miners and nuclear energy companies. It tracks an index that includes established producers, developers, and companies involved across the nuclear fuel cycle.

    URNM has rallied strongly alongside the uranium price and provides a straightforward way to gain exposure to the sector through a single ASX-listed investment.

    However, it is worth remembering that uranium and nuclear-related equities tend to be volatile and cyclical, influenced by commodity price swings, geopolitical developments, and energy policy decisions.

    Foolish Takeaway

    With uranium pushing multi-year highs as markets price in stronger nuclear demand and constrained supply, strategic exposures like URNM can offer diversified access to this resurging sector.

    That said, any investment should still align with an investor’s risk tolerance and long-term energy outlook.

    The post Uranium goes nuclear as prices surge 7% and hit a 23-month high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Global Uranium Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Global Uranium Etf 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 Betashares Global Uranium Etf 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.

  • Why is this ASX lithium stock crashing 18% today?

    A man sitting at his desktop computer leans forward onto his elbows and yawns while he rubs his eyes as though he is very tired.

    Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR) shares are ending the week deep in the red.

    In morning trade on Friday, the ASX lithium stock is down 18% to 17 cents.

    Why is this ASX lithium stock crashing today?

    The catalyst for today’s weakness has been the lithium and boron company announcing the receipt of firm commitments from institutional, professional, and sophisticated investors to raise approximately US$50 million (approximately A$72 million).

    These funds are being raised through a single-tranche placement comprising the issue of approximately 400 million new shares at an issue price of 18 Australian cents per new share.

    The ASX lithium stock advised that the placement was strongly supported by new and existing shareholders, which it believes reflects the world class nature of the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project. It is one of only a small number of lithium-boron ore deposits globally and a linchpin project in Nevada’s burgeoning Lithium Loop.

    Why is it raising funds?

    The company advised that the cash injection will provide critical funding that will put it in a strong financial position through the completion of the strategic partnering process, a final investment decision, and long lead items and early construction works.

    It notes that Rhyolite Ridge stands ready to onshore U.S. production of two critical materials and is the only permitted, shovel ready lithium-boron project in the country.

    The ASX lithium stock’s executive chair, James Calaway, was pleased with the success of the equity raise. He 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.

    This sentiment was echoed by the company’s managing director, Bernard Rowe. He said:

    This capital raise demonstrates clear market confidence in Ioneer and the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project. With permitting complete, these funds enable us to strengthen our position as a key U.S. domestic supplier of two critical minerals and efficiently move toward construction.

    The new Ioneer shares issued from this placement are expected to commence trading on the ASX boards next week on Friday 6 February.

    Despite today’s heavy decline, this ASX lithium stock remains up by approximately 45% over the past six months. This has been driven by improving lithium prices.

    The post Why is this ASX lithium stock crashing 18% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Ioneer 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 Ioneer 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 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.

  • Nine Entertainment shares jump on major acquisition and strategic shift

    A woman with a pained and confused look on her face twiddles the dial on an old fashioned radio receiver while leaning in to listen to it.

    Shares in Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC) have jumped more than 3% after the company announced a transformational $850 million acquisition and the sale of its broadcast radio assets.

    It’s a welcome turnaround for the company’s shares, which closed on Thursday at $1.09, not far off their 12-month low of $1.07, and well below the high for the same period of $1.90. They were changing hands for $1.12, up 3.4% on Friday morning.

    Major foray into outdoor

    One of the key pillars of the restructure announced on Friday was the $850 million acquisition of digital outdoor media platform QMS Media from Quadrant Private Equity.

    Nine said the deal would be funded by existing debt facilities and cash reserves and would be completed by the end of June.

    The company said further:

    QMS is a leading digital outdoor media platform with operations in Australia and New Zealand. With a footprint concentrated in metro areas, QMS adds a digitally focused and growing media platform that complements Nine’s existing media assets, whilst also benefiting from being part of the broader Nine Group.

    Nine said the outdoor advertising category had been growing by about 9% annually over the past decade, “expanding its share of the Australian advertising market from 10% to 18% over that period”.

    Nine added:

    Outdoor is expected to remain resilient to the impact of the global digital platforms and the impact of AI, both of which represent challenges to other segments of the media marketplace.

    QMS was expected to generate about $105 million in EBITDA in calendar year 2026, which would be a double-digit increase over the previous year, Nine said.

    The merger was also expected to deliver about $20 million in annual cost savings by FY29, “driven by the consolidation of back-office functions, technology infrastructure, procurement efficiencies and the switching of marketing spend into QMS”.

    Legacy radio to be sold

    On the radio front, Nine said it would sell its broadcast assets, including 2GB and 3AW, to the Laundy Family Office for $56 million.

    Despite selling its broadcast assets, Nine said it would retain a “growing presence” in the digital audio market, “leveraging the group’s video production and distribution capabilities, through podcasts, text-to-audio and vodcast (the convergence of digital audio and video)”.

    The result of the restructures announced on Friday would be that digital growth businesses were expected to account for more than 60% of revenue from FY27, compared with about 45% in FY25.

    Nine Chief Executive Officer 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. This positions Nine well for the future, enabling the group to withstand industry disruption and deliver long-term sustainable value to our shareholders.

    Nine was valued at $1.72 billion at the close of trade on Thursday.

    The post Nine Entertainment shares jump on major acquisition and strategic shift appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Nine Entertainment Co. 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 Nine Entertainment Co. 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…

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

  • Up 309% since June, why is the PLS share price leaping higher again on Friday?

    A white EV car and an electric vehicle pump with green highlighted swirls representing ASX lithium shares

    The PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is marching higher today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium stock formerly known as Pilbara Minerals closed yesterday trading for $4.59. In morning trade on Friday, shares are changing hands for $4.66 apiece, up 1.5%.

    For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.2% at this same time.

    With today’s intraday lift factored in, the PLS share price is now up a whopping 308.8% since plumbing a multi-year closing low on 3 June.

    Here’s what’s grabbing ASX investor interest today.

    PLS share price jumps on revenue surge

    Before market open this morning, PLS released its December quarterly update (Q2 FY 2026).

    Highlights included a 49% quarter-over-quarter increase in revenue to $373 million. Management credited this to a big boost in the average realised price PLS received, along with higher sales volumes.

    The PLS share price also looks to be catching tailwinds with the company reporting that sales volumes were up 8% from Q1 FY 2026 to 232,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate (a lithium bearing ore).

    And the average realised sales price the ASX 200 lithium miner received for its spodumene leapt to US$1,161 per tonne (SC5.2 basis, CIF China). That’s up 57% from the prior quarter.

    Costs were up too, however. PLS reported an 8% quarter-on-quarter increase in unit operating cost (FOB) to $585 per tonne. The miner said this was driven by lower production volumes and spodumene inventory drawdown, as sales volumes exceeded production.

    Pleasingly, the miner’s cash operating margin from operations surged from $8 million in Q1 to $166 million in the December quarter. Margins were supported by improved pricing and ongoing cost optimisation.

    As at 31 December, PLS had $954 million in cash, up 12% from the prior quarter.

    What else is happening with the ASX 200 lithium stock?

    Looking at what might impact the PLS share price in the months ahead, the miner said that the Ngungaju processing plant restart is under review, with early works completed “amid strong inbound interest”.  Management placed Ngungaju into temporary care and maintenance in December 2024 amid plunging lithium prices.

    The miner said it is evaluating the potential for a 200,000 tonne per year restart. The crusher upgrade has been completed and operational readiness assessed. The PLS Board expects to consider a decision in the March quarter.

    Should the restart get the green light, it will take approximately four months to resume production if approved.

    The PLS share price could gain longer-term support, with the P2000 feasibility study also ongoing. That study is looking into the potential expansion of Pilgangoora production capacity to two million tonnes per year. Investors can expect an update on the study results in the March quarter.

    And drilling and study optimisation are continuing at the miner’s Colina lithium project, located in Brazil.

    The post Up 309% since June, why is the PLS share price leaping higher again on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pilbara Minerals Limited right now?

    Before you buy Pilbara Minerals 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 Pilbara Minerals 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 is the ResMed share price jumping 7% today?

    Ecstatic man giving a fist pump in an office hallway.

    The ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) share price is ending the week with a bang.

    In morning trade, the sleep disorder treatment company’s shares are up 7% to $38.90.

    Why is the ResMed share price surging?

    Investors have been bidding the company’s shares higher today after it delivered yet another strong quarterly update.

    According to the release, ResMed’s revenue increased 11% (9% in constant currency) to US$1.4 billion over the prior corresponding period. This was driven by increased demand for its portfolio of sleep devices, masks, and accessories.

    Management advised that revenue in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, excluding Residential Care Software, grew by 11% over the prior corresponding period. Whereas revenue in Europe, Asia, and other markets, excluding Residential Care Software, grew by 6% in constant currency. Residential Care software revenue increased 5% on a constant currency basis.

    Another positive was that ResMed’s margins continue to improve. Its gross margin increased by 320 basis points during the quarter. This was primarily driven by manufacturing and logistics efficiencies and component cost improvements.

    The company recorded a gross margin of 61.8%, or 62.3% on a non-GAAP basis. The consensus estimate was for a margin of 62.1%.

    This ultimately led to ResMed posting an 18% increase in income from operations and a 19% increase in non-GAAP income from operations.

    Diluted earnings per share was US$2.68, with non-GAAP diluted earnings per share coming in at US$2.81.

    Management commentary

    ResMed’s chairman and CEO, Mick Farrell, was rightfully pleased with another impressive quarter. He 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.

    Year-over-year, we delivered 11% headline revenue growth, 310 basis points of non-GAAP gross margin expansion, and continued operating excellence, resulting in another quarter of mid-teens non-GAAP EPS growth. These results reflect strong ongoing demand for our market-leading sleep and respiratory care devices, as well as the growing impact of our digital health ecosystem that spans more than 140 countries.

    The good news is that Farrell appears confident that the second half will be just as successful. He adds:

    As we move into the second half of fiscal year 2026, we will continue to invest in innovation to scale our digital health capabilities and expand global access to life-saving care, while delivering sustainable, profitable growth.

    The post Why is the ResMed share price jumping 7% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in ResMed Inc. right now?

    Before you buy ResMed Inc. 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 ResMed Inc. 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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  • IperionX ramps up titanium production, secures US government support

    A man and woman sit next to each other looking at each other and feeling excited and surprised after reading good news about their shares on a laptop.

    The IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) share price is in focus after the company completed commissioning of its Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus and ended the December quarter with a strong US$65.8 million cash balance.

    What did IperionX report?

    • Equipment for titanium powder and component production fully commissioned at the Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus
    • Manufacturing capacity expansion on track, with target of 1,400 tons per annum (tpa) by 2027
    • Initial sales orders received from Carver Pump and American Rheinmetall for titanium components
    • US$47.1 million US Department of War grant fully obligated, aiding expansion plans
    • US$65.8 million in cash at quarter-end, with US$46.5 million in grant funding still available
    • ISO 9001 quality certification achieved for manufacturing operations

    What else do investors need to know?

    The company has commenced building inventory for mass distribution, including a range of titanium fasteners for commercial and U.S. military customers. IperionX continues advanced prototyping for industries like defense, electronics, automotive, and oil & gas, highlighting growing commercial activity.

    Progress was also made at the Titan Critical Minerals Project in Tennessee. Backed by U.S. Government interest and funding, IperionX aims to help address the nation’s supply gap for critical minerals, including heavy rare earths and titanium needed in defence and clean energy applications.

    Federal Government support remains a key pillar, with the U.S. transferring around 290 tons of titanium scrap to IperionX at no cost, securing feedstock for about 1.5 years at current capacity.

    What’s next for IperionX?

    IperionX plans to scale titanium production to 1,400 tpa by 2027, targeting market leadership as America’s largest and lowest-cost titanium powder producer. Additional presses and furnaces arriving in 2026 will support this capacity ramp-up.

    The company is also piloting next-generation, continuous titanium production technology, aiming for completion in 2026. Meanwhile, a Definitive Feasibility Study for the Titan Critical Minerals Project remains on schedule, with completion targeted for mid-2026.

    IperionX share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, IperionX shares have risen 90% outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 5% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post IperionX ramps up titanium production, secures US government support appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy IperionX 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 IperionX 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…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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.