Tag: Stock pick

Buying ASX shares and concerned about the impact of potentially further increases in interest rates?

You’re not alone.

Though it’s worth noting that the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has gained 2.9% since 2 February, the day before the Reserve Bank of Australia increased the official cash rate.

As you’re likely aware, on 3 February, the RBA pulled the trigger and lifted the benchmark interest rate by 0.25% to 3.85%.

That marked the first tightening since 8 November 2023, when the central bank boosted the cash rate to 4.35% to tamp down hot-running inflation.

But, after delivering three rate cuts in 2025, the RBA reversed course at its maiden meeting in 2026 amid resurgent inflation.

Commenting on its decision on the day, the RBA noted:

The board has been closely monitoring the economy and judges that some of the increase in inflation reflects greater capacity pressures. As a result, the board considers that inflation is likely to remain above target for some time.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

Should investors buying ASX shares do so with expectations of more rate hikes ahead?

What should ASX investors expect from interest rates in 2026?

Nomura’s Andrew Ticehurst said the three rate cuts in 2025 helped to boost the recent strong jobs figures and stoked the uptick in inflation.

Ticehurst believes ASX investors should expect one more interest rate hike from the RBA in 2026 before the central bank holds steady (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

According to Ticehurst:

Monetary policy is now tighter, fiscal policy is likely to be tightened a little bit, and the Australian dollar has risen as well. They’re all moving in a way which is going to cause growth momentum to slow this year.

The RBA is talking hawkishly now … we’ve seen them change tack quite quickly over the past six months, but if the data does soften up a little bit over the next three or four months, you’ll see their language change again.

Jarden’s Micaela Fuchila, on the other hand, believes that ASX investors have seen the last RBA interest rate boost of the current cycle.

Fuchila said the jump in the Aussie dollar and increasing bond yields should help to keep inflation in the 2.7% to 2.9% range, within the RBA’s 2% to 3% target band.

As for this month’s rate hike, Fuchila noted:

There were fundamental changes around the consumer in particular. We had things that we hadn’t seen in a long time, a lot of savings in consumers’ balance sheets. 2025 was a year when we had a Goldilocks scenario for the consumer for the first time.

The post Buying ASX shares? Here’s what these top analysts expect from interest rates in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Lovisa shares are getting hammered on a profit miss, but is the stock still a buy?
• Why are Goodman shares sinking 7% today?
• The analysts are in agreement, this tech company’s shares are a buy
• ASX 200 lifts to record high amid strong earnings and new jobs data
• Why Goodman, Lovisa, Medibank, and Zip shares are falling today

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.

Shares in Superloop Ltd (ASX: SLC) piled on the gains this week after the company announced a solid profit result as well as a $165 million acquisition.

But despite the shares piling on more than 10% gains after the company’s announcements, the three analysts we’ve canvassed all agree there’s more upside to this stock.

Firstly, let’s look at what the company announced this week.

Solid earnings jump

On the numbers, Superloop announced that its underlying EBITDA jumped 46% to $55.8 million, while net profit was $5.1 million, compared with a loss of $7.8 million for the same period last year.

The company added 74,000 new customers in the half, a 21% gain, bringing total customers to 805,000.

Superloop also upgraded its underlying EBITDA outlook for the full year to $112 to $120 million, up from $109 to $117 million.

Managing Director Paul Tyler said regarding the results:

Superloop has delivered fantastic results for the first of half of FY26, including record organic Consumer customer growth, an increase in revenue of 23%, and an increase of 46% in underlying EBITDA to $55.8 million, leading to net profit after tax of $5.1 million for the half. Both the Consumer segment and the Wholesale segment achieved strong revenue growth, 29% and 28% respectively. Consumer added a record 49,000 customers during the half, and Wholesale experienced accelerated growth in the last two months, setting the business up for a strong second half.   

New acquisition

The other news the company announced was the purchase of last mile internet provider Lightning Broadband, with that deal bringing with it a fibre to the premises network of 24,000 built lots nationally and a further 30,000 contracted lots.

Superloop said it expected synergies of $5 million to be achieved within three years, and the buyout was priced at 15 times Lightning’s estimated 2027 earnings.

Mr Tyler said the deal was a crucial step in building out Superloop’s “smart communities” asset base.

He added:

The combination of Lightning Broadband with Superloop’s existing Smart Communities portfolio, including the acquisition of Frontier Networks during the first half, creates a serious challenger to incumbents. With a combined built and contracted book of approximately 170,000 lots, we have clear visibility of long-term sustainable growth.” “Lightning Broadband’s strength in multi-dwelling units complements our expertise in broadacre, build-to-rent and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation. Our existing fibre network, including 2,500km of metropolitan footprint, enables direct connection to Lightning Broadband buildings, driving cost synergies and increasing network resilience.

Shares looking cheap

So what do the analysts think of all this?

We looked at research notes published by Macquarie, Morgan Stanley, and UBS, and they’re all in agreement.

Both Macquarie and UBS have a 12-month price target of $3.50 on Superloop shares, while Morgan Stanley has a price target of $3.60.

This compares with just $2.85 currently.

Morgan Stanley said they were attracted to the company “as the low-cost operator, especially in selling a commoditised but essential service like broadband”.

They added:

Given the high incremental margins outlined above, we feel Superloop is well positioned to respond to any price competition.

UBS said the first half result was “pleasing”, beating consensus estimates across the board.

Meanwhile, Macquarie said the company “materially outperformed market expectations” in its consumer and wholesale businesses.

The post The analysts are in agreement, this tech company’s shares are a buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Superloop shares rocket on major acquisition and strong profits
• Superloop flags $4 million margin risk from AGL telecom business exit
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) set a new record high at 9,118.3 points at lunchtime on Thursday.

Today’s intraday peak beat the last record set on 21 October last year.

The new high follows robust results from some of Australia’s largest companies, as earnings season continues today.

Strongly rising oil prices overnight have also lifted the ASX 200 today on concerns that US military action in Iran may be imminent.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is 9,102.5 points, up 1.06%.

Let’s review some of today’s strongest results.

Shares driving the ASX 200 higher today

ASX 200 communications is the top-performing market sector after Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares hit a 9-year high.

Telstra shares rose 5.6% to $5.24 after the telco reported a 10% lift in its underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) to $1.2 billion for 1H FY26.

ASX 200 industrial sector heavyweight Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB) saw its shares lift 6.4% to an intraday high of $25 per share.

Brambles reported a 7% increase in its underlying and operating profit (constant currency) to US$792 million for 1H FY26.

ASX 200 healthcare large-cap Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) ripped 14% to an intraday peak of $24.14 per share. 

The pathology and radiology services provider reported an 11% increase in NPAT to $262 million for 1H FY26.

ASX 200 financial sector mid-cap Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) skyrocketed 21% to an intraday high of $104.21 per share.

The wealth management platform provider revealed an 80% lift in statutory NPAT and increased its interim dividend by 50%.

Hub24 shares are the fastest risers on the ASX 200 today.

Energy is the second strongest sector on Thursday, primarily due to higher oil prices.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

Reports indicated that any US military action would likely unfold as a weeks-long campaign, with Israel’s government advocating an outcome aimed at regime change in the Islamic Republic. 

Unemployment remains at 4.1%

The ASX 200 hit a new record despite stronger-than-expected jobs data released today.

This morning, the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that unemployment stayed steady in January at 4.1%.

The ABS said the number of workers rose by 18,000. This was comprised of 50,000 new full-time jobs and 33,000 fewer part-time jobs.

According to reporting in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), the consensus market expectation was 4.2% and 20,000 new jobs.

Generally speaking, strong jobs data adds to the case for further interest rate hikes to combat resurgent inflation.

The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate for the first time in more than two years this month.

The post ASX 200 lifts to record high amid strong earnings and new jobs data appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Hub24, Sonic, Telstra, and Universal Store shares are racing higher today
• Everything you need to know about the latest Telstra dividend
• Why Sonic Healthcare shares are rocketing 12% on blockbuster half-year results
• Ramelius Resources delivers first Never Never ore, cuts major gold hedges
• Eagers Automotive posts record FY25 earnings

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24 and Sonic Healthcare. 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 another strong session on Thursday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark is up 1.1% to 9,107.7 points.

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

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The Goodman share price is down almost 7% to $28.96. Investors have been selling this industrial property giant’s shares following the release of its half-year results. Goodman reported an operating profit of $1.2 billion thanks to a combination of new developments, 95.9% portfolio occupancy, and like-for-like net property income growth of 4.2%. Looking ahead, management reiterated a target of 9% growth in FY 2026 operating earnings per share. However, it notes that this remains subject to stable market conditions. It is possible that the market was expecting an upgrade to its guidance.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

The Lovisa share price is down 11% to $27.60. This is despite the fashion jewellery retailer releasing its half-year results and reporting a 23.3% increase in revenue to $500.7 million and a 21.5% jump in underlying net profit to $69.6 million. However, Lovisa’s statutory net profit after tax, which includes its Jewells investment, was up just 2.6% to $58.4 million. The Jewells business recorded a loss of $11.2 million for the period.

Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL)

The Medibank share price is down 6.5% to $4.48. This morning, the private health insurer released its half-year results and reported a 0.3% decline in underlying net profit after tax to $297.8 million. The main drag on its performance was its net investment income, which fell 17.1% to $94.9 million. Despite this, the Medibank board elected to increase its interim dividend to 8.3 cents per share. Medibank’s CEO, David Koczkar, said: “This is another good result for the Medibank Group, reflecting strong customer engagement and positive progress in driving the health transition forward. We have delivered on our growth commitments, with improved momentum in our health insurance business and strong growth in Medibank Health.”

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price is down 38% to $1.74. Investors have been selling the buy now pay later provider’s shares following the release of its half-year results. Although Zip delivered a record result, investors appear concerned by a number of metrics. Zip’s revenue margin edged lower to 7.9%, net bad debts increased slightly to 1.73% of TTV, and its second-half cash EBTDA is expected to be broadly in line with the first half. This suggests that profit growth may moderate from here rather than accelerate further.

The post Why Goodman, Lovisa, Medibank, and Zip shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Medibank just raised its dividend. Here’s what you need to know
• Zip shares crash 33% on results day
• Goodman Group posts $1.2b profit and expands data centre pipeline
• Zip reports record 1H FY26 cash earnings and upgrades guidance
• Lovisa reveals higher revenue and interim dividend in FY26 half-year

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

Owners of Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares can get excited because the passive income payment is noticeably up compared to last year. The Wesfarmers dividend increase is funded by a good rise in earnings in the FY26 first-half result.

The company reported that revenue grew 3.1% to $24.2 billion, and operating profit (EBIT) climbed 8.4% to $2.5 billion. The net profit after tax (NPAT) and earnings per share (EPS) both climbed by 9.3%, to $1.6 billion and $1.41, respectively.

Let’s look at what’s happening with the payout.

Wesfarmers dividend

The Kmart and Bunnings owner decided to declare an increased interim dividend per share of $1.02 per share, up 7.4%. The payout is fully franked.

This payment represents a dividend payout ratio of 72% of the EPS, which balances rewarding shareholders with retaining some profit to reinvest in its operations.

The board of directors decided on the level of the dividend based on the available franking credits, current earnings, cash flows, future cash flow requirements and targeted credit (balance sheet) metrics.

Wesfarmers also said it’s maintaining a focus on maximising the value of franking credits for shareholders.

When will the payout hit bank accounts?

Owners of Wesfarmers shares will receive the interim dividend on 31 March 2026, which is not that far away.

If investors want to receive this payment, they need to own shares by the ex-dividend date of 24 February 2026. That means investors need to buy shares by the end of the previous trading day, which is 23 February 2026 (next Monday).

Investors can also decide to take part in the dividend re-investment plan (DRP) if they want to receive the Wesfarmers dividend as new shares rather than cash. Shareholders who want to take part in the DRP must elect to do so by 8pm on 26 February 2026.

The DRP price for Wesfarmers shares will be calculated based on the 15 trading days between 2 March 2026 to 20 March 2026. There won’t be a discount for any shares issued.

Outlook for further Wesfarmers dividend growth

The business said that sales growth has started well in the second half of FY26, with Bunnings and Officeworks delivering sales growth that was broadly in line with the first half of FY26, while Kmart Group sales growth was stronger compared to the first half.

I think it’s also helpful that the lithium operations are producing resources now, it’s not just a burden on the company’s cash flows in the setup phase.

Overall, there are promising signs for further dividend growth in FY26.

The post Everything you need to know about the latest Wesfarmers dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 high-quality blue-chip ASX shares I would buy right now
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• Are Wesfarmers shares a good buy for passive income?
• Buy, hold, sell: CSL, Lynas, and Wesfarmers shares

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: SKC) are sliding on Thursday after the casino operator released its interim results.

At the time of writing, the SkyCity share price is down 5.33% to 71 cents. The stock is now hovering near the lower end of its 52-week range, reflecting a tough year for shareholders.

Here’s what the company reported for the 6 months ended 31 December 2025.

Revenue dips and earnings fall

SkyCity delivered group revenue of $411.7 million, down 2.4% on the prior corresponding period.

Underlying EBITDA came in at $85.5 million, a decline of 28.4%, while underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 67.5% to $14.4 million.

On a statutory basis, reported net profit after tax was $12.1 million, up from $6.1 million a year ago, largely due to one-off items in the prior period.

Management said the result reflects a “transitional” half, with regulatory changes, cost pressures, and investment weighing on margins.

No interim dividend was declared.

Regulatory changes and higher costs dent earnings

A major change during the half was the rollout of mandatory carded play across SkyCity’s New Zealand casinos from July 2025.

While management says this supports long-term sustainability and provides better customer data, it had a short-term impact on gaming revenue and EBITDA per visitation.

The company also flagged higher compliance costs, including continued investment in anti-money laundering systems and host responsibility frameworks.

In Adelaide, earnings were affected by compliance-related costs, gaming tax, and legal matters. Management confirmed a carded play system is expected to be implemented there from December 2026.

Convention centre opens as debt levels stay in focus

There was one major milestone during the period. The New Zealand International Convention Centre officially opened in February, with strong forward bookings for FY26 and FY27.

SkyCity expects the convention centre to support improved performance in the second-half, alongside cost-out initiatives and the absence of some one-off costs.

On the balance sheet, total net debt sits at $594 million, with net debt to EBITDA of 2.83x. The group said covenant ratios remain within banking limits.

Average debt borrowing costs fell to 5.4%, and liquidity headroom remains solid, with more than $340 million in funding headroom.

What’s the FY26 outlook?

SkyCity reaffirmed its FY26 guidance, originally provided in August and reconfirmed at the annual general meeting (AGM).

The company expects:

• FY26 underlying EBITDA of $190 million to $210 million

• Reported EBITDA of $170 million to $190 million

• No dividends to be paid in FY26

Management said FY26 will continue to be a transition year as it finalises key projects and navigates short-term headwinds. The goal is to reset the business and lay the groundwork for improved earnings beyond FY26.

The company is also preparing for the potential launch of online casino gaming in New Zealand, which could go live from December 2026, pending regulatory approval.

Foolish takeaway

SkyCity’s half-year result was broadly in line with expectations, but earnings still remain under pressure.

With no dividend and debt still sitting high, it’s not hard to see why the share price has slipped.

The post ASX casino stock sinks 5% after profit plunges 67% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Goodman, Lovisa, Medibank, and Zip shares are falling today
• Everything you need to know about the latest Wesfarmers dividend
• Why Hub24, Sonic, Telstra, and Universal Store shares are racing higher today
• How mainstream adoption is now hammering the Bitcoin price
• Articore shares fly 11% higher following half-year result

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 1.05% to 9,102.8 points.

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

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

The Hub24 share price is up 13% to $97.73. This follows the release of the investment platform provider’s half-year results. Hub24 reported a 26% increase in revenue to $245.9 million and a 60% jump in underlying net profit after tax to $68.3 million. The company’s managing director and CEO, Andrew Alcock, commented: “These results demonstrate our continued momentum, with record net inflows and strong progress in delivering our strategy to create value for customers and shareholders. Our recognition again as Australia’s best platform reflects our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enable advisers to support the needs of their clients throughout their life stages and empower better financial futures for more Australians, which is now more important than ever.”

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

The Sonic Healthcare share price is up 13% to $24.03. Investors have been buying the healthcare company’s shares following the release of its half-year results. Sonic posted a 17% increase in revenue to $5.45 billion and an 11% lift in net profit to $262 million. This allowed the company’s board to declare an interim dividend of 45 cents per share, which was up 2.3% on last year. Sonic Healthcare’s CEO, Dr Jim Newcombe, said: “Sonic Healthcare’s first half result demonstrated the strength and global diversity of the group’s operations. We consistently deliver high-value medicine to our global communities and are a trusted partner for doctors, patients and healthcare systems.”

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

The Telstra share price is up 5% to $5.21. This has been driven by the release of a solid half-year result from the telco giant this morning. For the six months ended 31 December, Telstra reported a 14% increase in cash EBIT. This underpinned an increase in its interim dividend to 10.5 cents per share (from 9.5 cents per share). Telstra’s CEO, Vicki Brady, said: “We delivered ongoing growth in earnings, reflecting momentum across our business, strong cost control and disciplined capital management.”

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

The Universal Store share price is up 6.5% to $8.95. Investors have been buying the youth fashion retailer’s shares after it impressed with its half-year results. Universal Store posted a 14.2% increase in sales over the prior corresponding period to $209.6 million. Growing even stronger was the company’s underlying net profit, which was up 22% to $28.3 million.

The post Why Hub24, Sonic, Telstra, and Universal Store shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Everything you need to know about the latest Telstra dividend
• Universal Store trading higher as profits beat expectations
• Why Sonic Healthcare shares are rocketing 12% on blockbuster half-year results
• HUB24 delivers 1HFY26 earnings and raises FY27 growth target
• Telstra lifts earnings and dividend, expands buy-back for 1H26

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24, Sonic Healthcare, and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price continues to grind lower.

Following the US presidential election that saw crypto-friendly Donald Trump storm back into the White House on 4 November 2024, the world’s first and biggest crypto by market valuation went on a tear.

Indeed, for a while there, the Bitcoin price charge looked unstoppable.

Until it went into reverse.

Amid the growing popularity (and legality) of Bitcoin exchange traded funds (ETFs), and a rapid increase in institutional adoption, Bitcoin surged to an all-time high of US$126,198 on 7 October 2025, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

With the Bitcoin price down another 1.3% overnight, the digital token is currently trading for US$66,500. That’s down 47.4% from the record highs posted just a little over four months ago. And it’s now trading below where it was before Trump’s election victory.

You’re unlikely to hear Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) investors cheering either.

The world’s second-biggest crypto slid 1.5% overnight to be trading for US$1,955. This puts the Ethereum price down a sharp 60.5% since the token notched its own record high of US$4,954 on 25 August last year.

So, what’s going on?

Bitcoin price losing institutional support

When the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gave the green light to Bitcoin spot ETFs in January 2024, most analysts expected this to bring stability and ongoing growth to the notoriously volatile crypto

And for a while it did, as prices became less dependent on more fickle retail traders.

But over the past months, the influx of money that sent the Bitcoin price to new heights has been flowing the other way.

According to Bloomberg, some US$8.5 billion has exited US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs since 10 October. And futures exposure to Bitcoin on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) was reported to be down by around 66% since late 2024.

“The market structure really broke down on October 10. We’ve never seen this steady and severity of a drawdown even in 2018 and 2022,” Zach Lindquist, managing partner at Pure Crypto, said.

How does this compare to gold?

Unlike the ‘digital gold’ many had expected it to be, Bitcoin has not held up as a hedge against volatile stock markets, inflation, or concerns of US dollar debasement.

Indeed, the gold price remains at U$4,970 per ounce today. While that’s down 8.2% from gold’s all-time high of US$5,417 per ounce on 28 January, the gold price remains up more than 69% over 12 months.

The Bitcoin price, on the other hand, is now down more than 30% since this time last year.

The post How mainstream adoption is now hammering the Bitcoin price appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• The Bitcoin price has now halved since October. What’s going on?
• Why is the battered Bitcoin price tumbling again today?
• What on earth is happening with the Bitcoin price?
• Is Bitcoin digital gold? It seems investors prefer the real thing

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

Articore Group Ltd (ASX: ATG) shares are soaring 11.11% higher in Thursday lunchtime trade. At the time of writing, the shares have climbed to 40 cents a piece. The increase follows the company’s half-year results for FY26, which it posted ahead of the ASX open this morning.

Today’s share price uptick means the shares are now 60% higher year to date and 60% higher over the year.

What did Articore post in its H1 FY26 results?

Here’s what the e-commerce business posted for the six months ending 31st December 2025:

• Marketplace revenue was down 4.5% to $220.3 million
• Gross profit was up 6% to $107.5 million
• Gross profit after paid acquisition was up 8.9% to $60.9 million
• Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) was $12.1 million
• Underlying cash flow was $12.3 million

What happened in H1 FY26?

Articore’s marketplace revenue showed improvement over the six-month period, moderating to $220.3 million, down 4.4% from the prior corresponding period (pcp). While a decline, this is an improvement from the marketplace revenue in the first quarter of FY26, which was down 6.6%. 

The business said the improvement reflects stronger paid marketing effectiveness, data-driven pricing, and more targeted promotional strategies.

Meanwhile, there was a material margin expansion, with gross profit up 6% on the pcp to $107.5 million, and gross profit after paid acquisition was 8.9% higher at $60.9 million. This was driven by supply-chain synergies and artist fee changes, which were designed to strengthen the marketplace and its dynamics.

Operating expenses were down 4.3% for the six-month period, reflecting lower employee and software costs and continued cost discipline.

Elsewhere, EBIT increased materially to $12.1 million, reaching the highest level in five years and representing a $14.3 million uplift on the pcp.

Group CEO and Managing Director Vivek Kumar said, “Our first-half performance validates our turnaround strategy. We materially improved profitability, generating a $14 million uplift in EBIT, expanded margins, and strengthened our marketplace revenue trajectory, while continuing to invest in platform capability and customer experience.”

What’s the outlook for Articore in FY26?

Management has raised its FY26 EBIT guidance to $6 million to $10 million, up from $2 million to $8 million previously. It also tightened its underlying cash flow guidance to the top end of its previous range, now $8 million to $12 million, from $5 million to $12 million previously.

In the second half of FY26, Articore said it will build on the momentum achieved in the first six months of the financial year to accelerate its return to marketplace revenue growth. 

The business added that key areas of focus include growing revenue through both acquiring new customers and increasing its repeat customer base, further leveraging AI across the Group to improve operational efficiencies, and improving its external engineering capability to increase scalability and performance.

The post Articore shares fly 11% higher following half-year result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Medibank just raised its dividend. Here’s what you need to know
• Why is this broker upgrading its price target for Boss Energy?
• Everything you need to know about the latest Telstra dividend
• Universal Store trading higher as profits beat expectations
• IPH shares surge 10% as profit lifts and dividend jumps

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.

It’s a huge day for earnings on the ASX this Thursday. This session has seen a bevy of ASX 200 shares deliver their latest numbers to investors. We’ve heard from Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). But I want to talk about Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) and the new dividend that was just revealed.

Yep, just like Telstra and Wesfarmers, Medibank reported its latest earnings to the markets this morning. As we covered, it was a mixed set of numbers that the ASX 200 private health insurance stock came up with.

Medibank reported a 5.5% rise in group revenues to $4.5 billion. Group operating profit increased 6% to $381.7 million, although underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was effectively unchanged at $297.8 million.

Investors don’t seem to be impressed, to be frank, with the Medibank Private share price, which is currently down a nasty 6.16% at $4.50 a share. Saying that, the company is essentially now back to where it was on Tuesday, before yesterday’s near-6% share price spike. This spike came after news that the government will allow private health insurers to hike premiums by at least 4.41% from April. That’s the largest premium increase Australians have seen in many years.

But let’s dig into Medibank’s new dividend announcement today.

Medibank shares slip despite dividend hike

In some pleasing news for income investors, Medibank has just revealed that it will hike its next dividend. The company revealed an interim dividend of 8.3 cents per share as its first payout of 2026. Like most dividends from Medibank Private, it will come with full franking credits attached.

This interim dividend represents a 6.4% increase over the 7.8 cents per share payout that Medibank doled out this time last year. Together with the final dividend of 10.2 cents per share from October last year, it takes Medibank’s 12-month dividend total to 18.5 cents per share, a record high for the company.

It is a significant payout on another level for Medibank. This latest dividend is the sixth consecutive payout in a row that has been increased annually. That’s quite a streak that Medibank is cultivating.

Medibank shares will trade ex-dividend for this payout on 26 February next week. Payday has then been scheduled for 18 March next month. Medibank is not running a dividend reinvestment plan for this dividend, so investors will have to take it in cash.

As it stands today, Medibank Private shares are trading on a trailing dividend yield of 4%. However, with this new payout revealed, we can give the stock a forward dividend yield of 4.11%.

The post Medibank just raised its dividend. Here’s what you need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Medibank Private lifts profit and dividend in first half 2026
• Why Medibank shares are jumping 7% today
• ASX 200 financials flew but tech and mining shares faltered last week
• Why this ASX 200 share is a retiree’s dream
• 3 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: experts

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.