Tag: Stock pick

BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) shares are back in focus on Monday after a new announcement landed before market open.

At the time of writing, the BrainChip share price is up 6.45% to 16 cents.

Adding in today’s increase, the stock has now climbed about 13% over the past month.

But while this shows some momentum, it remains down roughly 35% over the past year on the back of a weakened tech sector.

Here’s what the company just reported to the market.

New licensing deal opens another pathway

In its release, BrainChip announced it has entered into an IP licence agreement with South Korea-based Asicland Co Ltd (KOSDAQ: 445090).

The deal gives ASICLAND non-exclusive, worldwide access to BrainChip’s Akida neuromorphic AI technology. This allows ASICLAND to integrate Akida into its own system-on-chip designs for customers across multiple industries.

There is also a pathway from evaluation into full production.

ASICLAND can start with prototype and testing licences, then convert those into production licences if projects move forward.

BrainChip keeps ownership of its intellectual property and retains the option to work directly with end customers on additional services.

How the commercial model works

The structure follows a familiar model used across the semiconductor IP industry.

There are upfront fees for evaluation and production, along with ongoing royalties tied to chip sales. Extra service fees can also come into play depending on the level of support required.

Management said it’s too early to put a figure on it, but expects the agreement to contribute revenue over time.

ASICLAND is positioned as both an enabler and a channel partner. It designs custom silicon solutions and works with customers across edge AI, industrial, automotive, and IoT markets.

Why investors are paying attention

Deals like this usually get attention because they show the tech is starting to move beyond development.

BrainChip has spent years developing its neuromorphic technology. What investors want to see now is evidence that it is being picked up and used in real products.

This agreement adds another partner to the ecosystem and creates more potential entry points into customer programs.

But while it does not guarantee near-term revenue, it does add more opportunities if these projects move forward.

Foolish Takeaway

This is another step forward for BrainChip, but there is still a significant gap between signing deals and seeing actual revenue.

Licensing agreements only start to matter once they move into production and generate ongoing royalties, which takes time and depends on customer uptake.

With this in mind, I would be watching from the sidelines until these partnerships come to fruition.

The post BrainChip shares rocket 6% on new chip deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brainchip, Minerals 260, Nuix, and Weebit Nano shares are racing higher today
• Why Brainchip, Fortescue, IGO, and Life360 shares are tumbling today

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.

ASX share A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) plunged to fresh 52-week lows on Monday. The stock initially fell as much as 18% before recovering to $6.35 in afternoon trade, still down almost 13%.

The decline followed news that the company had recalled multiple batches of infant formula sold in the US over contamination concerns.

Today’s fall comes on top of an already brutal month for the ASX share. It’s now down roughly 31% over the past month as investor sentiment deteriorates quickly.

What triggered today’s sell-off?

The immediate catalyst was a voluntary recall of three batches of A2 Platinum Premium infant formula sold in the US after testing detected trace levels of a toxin known as cereulide.

This is a heat-stable toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria. The concern is that it can survive normal food processing and, in sufficient quantities, may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal illness.

While regulators and the ASX share confirmed the issue following additional testing, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the affected products.

Why the market reacted so strongly

Even though the recall is limited, investors reacted sharply for several key reasons. First is reputational risk. Infant formula is one of the most sensitive food categories globally. Even small contamination events can significantly damage consumer trust.

Second is geographic exposure. ASX share A2 Milk earns a large portion of its revenue from China, where food safety concerns are historically heightened. Any negative headlines in this category can quickly influence brand perception and demand.

Third, this is not an isolated scare. Similar cereulide-related recalls have recently affected major global players such as Nestlé SA (XSWX: NESN) and Danone SA (XPAR: BN). This has increased investor sensitivity across the sector.

More than just the recall

The share price weakness is also being driven by broader concerns around execution and earnings momentum.

In April, the ASX share downgraded its FY2026 guidance, citing ongoing supply chain disruptions. The company now expects revenue growth in the low to mid double-digit range. That’s down from previous expectations of mid double-digit growth.

The company also downgraded EBITDA margins. The guidance is now at 14% to 14.5%, compared to the prior range of 15.5% to 16%. As a result, the business expects net profit after tax to be flat or slightly lower than FY2025.

These revisions reinforced investor concerns that operational challenges may be more persistent than previously anticipated.

Foolish Takeaway

The latest plunge in the ASX milk share reflects a combination of factors: a high-profile product recall, worsening sentiment around food safety risks, and already weakening financial guidance.

While underlying demand for infant formula remains solid, investors are clearly waiting for evidence that supply chain issues and execution challenges are under control before stepping back in.

The post Why are A2 Milk shares crashing 13% to fresh 52-week lows? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why A2 Milk, Accent, Endeavour, and Woodside shares are falling today
• The worst 4 ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April unmasked
• Why these top ASX shares sank 10%+ in April
• Buy, hold, sell: Pro Medicus, Life360, A2 Milk shares
• Nervous investors turn to ASX 200 defensives as global energy shock drags on

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé. 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.

There are many strategies used by Australian investors. Each comes with its own list of pros and cons. 

Some common strategies include: 

• Growth investing: focuses on buying stocks of companies expected to grow earnings or revenue faster than the overall market
• Dividend investing: focuses on buying stocks that pay regular cash dividends, providing a steady income stream along with potential capital appreciation
• ETF investing: focuses on exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are baskets of securities traded on exchanges that offer diversification and typically track an index

While these strategies are all viable, a new report from VanEck has shed light on the broader market conditions that are making it favourable to return to a focus on value investing. 

What is value investing?

Value investing is an investment strategy that involves buying stocks that appear to be trading below their intrinsic value, often identified through fundamental analysis and popularised by investors like Benjamin Graham.

When investors target value stocks, they look for companies perceived to be trading at bargain prices relative to their underlying business performance. 

The idea underpinning value investing is that, over time, stock prices will reflect their intrinsic value. If a share’s price drops below its inherent value, it will eventually “correct” and move higher again. 

Value investors seek to profit over time by capitalising on these minor corrections in the share price.

According to VanEck, value investing was the go-to approach from the 1970s to the GFC. 

This was an era when interest rates and inflation were elevated, which saw investors gravitate towards those companies trading at lower valuation multiples and strong tangible cash flows, contributing to outperformance relative to growth companies.

The case for value investing in today’s market

VanEck said there are several signs that suggest we could be in the early stages of a value market.

Firstly, inflation pressure could stay elevated. 

The ongoing oil crisis, alongside other factors such as historically high global government debt, could sustain inflationary pressure in the US, with potential global spillovers. While markets have priced in a quick resolution to the US-Iran conflict, oil prices remain up more than 56% from six months ago.

VanEck said elevated oil and commodity prices have historically been a leading indicator of higher inflation.

Additionally, the US economic growth outlook is still resilient. 

Despite a number of growing pains including mounting fiscal debt, tariff disruption, a shrinking labour force following immigration policy pivot and an ongoing war with Iran, the US economy still looks resilient with a stable growth outlook at ~2% real growth and a probability of recession of only 30%.

Finally, value companies offering compelling valuations. 

Despite strong performance for value, it is trading at levels close to its 10-year average. From a relative value perspective, valuations also hit a multi-year low relative to broader equities (proxied by MSCI World ex Australia Index), indicating ample headroom on the upside.

How to target value shares

For investors seeking exposure to value shares, one option is to use value-focused ASX ETFs. 

Two such options include: 

• VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE) – gives investors a diversified portfolio of 250 international developed market large and mid-cap companies, with high value scores
• Vaneck MSCI International Value (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: HVLU) – The currency-hedged version of the above fund

The post Why value investing is back: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• This value ASX ETF has been smashing the ASX 200 over the past 5 years

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

I’d wager that most ASX investors who describe themselves as ‘growth investors’ wouldn’t do much index fund investing.

After all, the whole point of growth investing is finding those high-flying shares that have the potential to outperform the broader market over time. It’s pretty hard to perform in the market when you are investing in the market itself.

As such, your typical growth investor tends to bet big on individual stocks, leaving index investing to others.

That might have worked for certain periods of the past. But I think it is getting more and more difficult to pull off going forward. So should ASX growth investors rethink index investing in 2026? I think so.

Watering flowers, removing weeds

The world is changing at a rate rarely seen before. It was only a few years ago when artificial intelligence (AI) still seemed a pipedream. Today, we are acutely aware of this technology’s disruptive potential. Whilst this has the potential to bring many benefits, investors have also been concerned that AI may make the software products and services of many companies redundant. The innovation required for growth stocks to stay at the cutting edge of technology has arguably never been higher.

If an investor has the expertise to navigate these changes, and continue to attempt to pick winners, then they should keep at it. But I have decided that the rate of change and disruption that is now taking place has raised the bar beyond my comfort level. That’s why I think growth investors may want to consider changing tack into index investing.

The beauty of index investing is that the index’s automatic rebalancing mechanisms add to winners and weed out losers over time. Sure, you might not get that 100-bagger that becomes half of your portfolio thanks to your big, early bet. But you are guaranteed that the most successful companies on an index will swell to become your largest investments over time, without the risk of a complete wipeout of capital.

When most people think of index investing, they assume we mean buying shares in broad-market indexes like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), or the US-based S&P 500.

To be fair, an index fund that tracks the ASX 200 Index is indeed quite unsuitable for growth investors. That’s given our market’s heavy weighting towards decades-old bank and mining stocks.

The best index funds for growth investors

But investors can always opt for a growth-tilted index, such as the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX). The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC) tracks this index, which only holds the largest technology stocks on the ASX. Some of its current holdings include Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) and WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

An S&P 500 index fund like the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) is a different kettle of fish. The S&P 500 is dominated by some of the most dominant and innovative growth stocks the world has ever seen. Among IVV’s top holdings, one will find NVIDIA, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla and Apple. All stocks that have found themselves in many successful growth investors’ portfolios in the past.

If that’s not ‘growthy’ enough, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) is a more intense choice. This index fund only holds stocks that are listed on the NASDAQ exchange. These tend to be newer, more dynamic companies. NDQ holds the US stocks listed above, but also prominently features names like Adobe, Intel, AMD, Netflix, and Palantir Technologies.

In this era of intense disruptive forces on our technology markets, I think some ASX growth investors should consider leaving picking the winners to the index funds.

The post Here’s why I think ASX growth investors should embrace index investing in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 reasons I’d buy and hold the NDQ ETF for 10 years
• Why these ASX ETFs could be top picks in May
• After 7 straight days in the red, where is the value for ASX 200 stocks?
• 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy for a retirement portfolio
• Are these the best ASX ETFs to buy in May?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Intel, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Tesla, WiseTech Global, Xero, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA), Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares are making waves on today.

During the Monday lunch hour, two of the big name S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are underperforming the 0.1% loss posted by the benchmark index at this time, while one is trading in the green.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest.

NAB shares slide on half year results

NAB shares are down 1.8% at time of writing, changing hands for $39.10 each.

This follows the release of the ASX 200 bank stock’s half year results (H1 FY 2026).

Over the half year, NAB recognised a “large notable item” of $949 million relating to a change in its software capitalisation policy.

This was reflected in an 18% half on half decline in the big four bank’s statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) to $2.75 billion. Underlying profit was up 6.4%.

Excluding notable items, NAB’s half year cash earnings of $3.59 billion were up 2.3% from H2 FY 2025.

On the passive income front, management declared a fully franked interim dividend of 85 cents per share, in line with last year’s interim payout.

Investors may be selling the ASX 200 bank stock with NAB forecasting slower credit growth ahead amid ongoing geopolitical risks and inflationary pressures.

Which brings us to…

Transurban shares lift on April traffic increase

Unlike NAB shares, Transurban shares are marching higher today following an update on April’s monthly traffic.

Shares in the ASX 200 toll road developer and operator are up 0.6% today, trading for $14.15 each.

The company reported that April traffic in Melbourne was up 1.6%, spurred by growth from the West Gate Tunnel project, while Brisbane traffic increased by 0.7%.

Although Sydney April traffic was down 1.2%, Transurban reported that overall Australian commercial vehicle traffic was up by 10.8%.

And finally…

Viva Energy shares pressured on ongoing refinery slowdown

Viva Energy is joining Transurban and NAB shares in the financial headlines today after the company released an update on its Geelong Refinery, located in Victoria.

The ASX 200 energy stock has come under pressure following the outbreak of a fire at the refinery – one of just two remaining in Australia – on 15 April.

Viva Energy shares are down 1.8% at time of writing today, trading for $2.46 each, after the company confirmed that over the coming weeks it will produce diesel and jet fuel at approximately 80% of capacity and petrol at approximately 60% while its Residue Catalytic Cracking Unit (RCCU) remains offline.

Management expects that repairs to impacted units necessary to restart the RCCU will take around six weeks.

The ASX energy stock expects that production will ramp back up to more than 90% of capacity following the restart of the RCCU in June.

The post Why Viva Energy, Transurban and NAB shares are turning heads on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is this $45 billion ASX 200 stock edging higher today?
• Everything you need to know about the latest NAB dividend
• NAB shares fall despite $3.59 billion cash profit
• Viva Energy updates investors on Geelong Refinery operations
• Transurban Group posts April traffic gains as West Gate Tunnel ramps up

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

The Age Pension is a fortnightly sum to help older Australians fund a basic retirement lifestyle.

It is a maximum payment fortnightly payment of $1,100.30 for single Australians or older. Couples can get up to $829.40 per person per fortnight.

The rates don’t include any additional potential supplement rates.

The issue is that many Australians miss out on payments because they don’t really understand how the system works.

Here’s how to check that you’re entitled to.

1. Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to receive the Age Pension you need to be aged 67 years, or older. You also need to be an Australian resident who has lived in Australia for at least 10 years, with at least five of those years in a continuous period.

You’ll also be subject to an income and an asset test.

2. The income test

The income test assesses all of your income pooled from all sources. That includes anything from superannuation contributions, investment income, part-time wages, bonuses or commission payments. It’s applicable regardless of your age. 

In order to receive the full Age Pension, singles can earn up to $218 per fortnight, and couples can earn up to $380 per fortnight.

3. The asset test

The asset test includes everything you own in full, in part, or have an interest in. It generally excludes the home you live in.

In order to receive the full Age Pension, single homeowners can own assets (including superannuation) up to a value of $321,500, and non-homeowners can own assets up to $579,500 in retirement.

But a couple has a different threshold, and it’s not double the amount of one person. A couple combined can own up to $481,500 in total if they own a property, or $739,500 if they don’t.

4. What if I’m over the limits?

If you’re over these limits then you won’t qualify for the full Age Pension payment.

But the good news is, you could still be eligible for a part-payment.

Singles can earn up to $2,619.80 per fortnight and couples (living together) can earn up to $4,000.80 per fortnight and still qualify for at least a part-pension. Couples living apart due to ill health can earn a little more, at up to $5,183.60.

The payment is assessed on a sliding scale. For a single person, your Age Pension will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar over $218 per fortnight (up to the maximum allowed income of $2,619.80) and for couples it will reduce by 25 cents for each dollar over $380 up to the upper limit.

There is a similar rule for your assets too. If your assets are less than $722,000 if you’re a single homeowner, and $980,000 if you’re a non-homeowner, you are still entitled to some level of payment.

Couples are also entitled to a part-payment so long as their combined assets aren’t more than $1,085,000 for homeowners. Non-homeowners can own assets totalling up to $1,343,000.

The post Do you qualify for the full age pension? Here’s how to find out appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Viva Energy, Transurban and NAB shares are turning heads on Monday
• Why A2 Milk, Accent, Endeavour, and Woodside shares are falling today
• Why this beaten-down ASX tech stock is bouncing today
• Why is this $45 billion ASX 200 stock edging higher today?
• Everything you need to know about the latest NAB dividend

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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.4% to 8,696.5 points.

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

A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M)

The A2 Milk share price is down 11% to $6.45. Investors have been selling this infant formula company’s shares after it announced a product recall in the United States. It advised that it commenced the voluntary recall of three batches of a2 Platinum USA label infant milk formula due to the presence of cereulide in the product. Thankfully, no confirmed incidents of infant illness or harm have been reported to the company. And while this recall impacts the equivalent of 0.1% of its total first half sales, investors may have concerns over the potential brand damage this could have.

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent Group share price is down 12% to 54.5 cents. This follows news that the footwear retailer’s CEO is being investigated by ASIC for suspected insider trading. Accent also stated: “No charges have been laid against any person and there are no allegations against the Company. The Company has cooperated with ASIC and intends to continue to do so. ASIC has stated that the section 33 notice should not be construed as an indication that a contravention of the law has occurred, nor should it be considered a reflection upon any person or entity.”

Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

The Endeavour Group share price is down over 4% to $3.27. This has been driven by the release of a trading update from the drinks giant this morning. The Dan Murphy’s and BWS owner revealed that retail sales were up 2.9% to $2,398 million and hotel sales were up 3.7% to $531 million during the third quarter. However, it warned that elevated supply chain costs are expected due to higher fuel and freight prices. Endeavour Group’s CEO, Jayne Hrdlicka, commented: “We are implementing a more efficient operating model to deliver better returns for our shareholders and look forward to discussing this more fully at our upcoming Investor Day.”

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price is down 3% to $32.09. Investors have been selling Woodside and other ASX energy shares today after oil prices pulled back on Friday night. This was driven by news that Iran has put forward a new peace deal to the United States.

The post Why A2 Milk, Accent, Endeavour, and Woodside shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this $5.7 billion ASX stock is getting sold off today
• Endeavour Group Q3 sales rise as retail and hotels gain ground
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX 200 energy shares lead and market finally cracks 8-day losing streak
• The worst 4 ASX 200 stocks to buy and hold in April unmasked

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Accent Group, Endeavour Group, and Woodside Energy Group Ltd. 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 Accent Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

There’s been a bit of buying interest in this beaten-down ASX tech stock on Monday following a new leadership announcement.

At the time of writing, Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL) shares are up 3.69% to $1.545.

While positive momentum is taking charge today, the stock still remains down about 40% over the past 12 months.

Here’s what just came through.

CEO role locked in after global search

Nuix announced it has appointed John Ruthven as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director on a permanent basis, effective immediately.

Ruthven had been serving as interim CEO since November last year. The board ran a global search before settling on him as the preferred candidate.

According to the company, the decision came after reviewing his performance, skill set, and understanding of the business.

Chair Robert McLister said the board had been impressed with Ruthven’s approach during the interim period, pointing to his engagement with staff and customers.

Ruthven also backed the direction of the business, saying his time in the role strengthened his confidence in Nuix’s technology and people.

What this means from here

Nuix has been through a difficult stretch over recent years, including volatility in earnings and ongoing efforts to rebuild trust with investors.

Locking in a permanent CEO at least gives the market a clearer idea of who is actually running the business and where things are headed.

It also suggests the board is comfortable with the direction so far, rather than feeling the need to bring someone in to change course.

This could help steady things and allow the business to focus on getting back on track.

Pay and incentives

Alongside the announcement, the company advised that Ruthven will receive fixed annual compensation of $900,000, excluding superannuation.

He is also eligible for short-term incentives from July, with a target set at 60% of fixed pay, rising to 1.25 times for outperformance.

Long-term incentives are set at 100% of fixed pay and will be delivered as performance rights.

Furthermore, there is scope for a discretionary bonus linked to his time as interim CEO.

Foolish Takeaway

Ruthven has already been running the business for several months, so I would expect things to continue along the same path.

Removing the uncertainty around leadership appears to be helping short-term sentiment, especially after a long stretch of share price weakness since October last year.

From here, I would be watching how the business performs, particularly around growth and achieving consistent results.

The post Why this beaten-down ASX tech stock is bouncing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brainchip, Minerals 260, Nuix, and Weebit Nano shares are racing higher today
• Why Newmont, Nuix, PLS, and Vulcan Energy shares are rising today
• Guess which ASX tech stock is rocketing 22% on big news
• Why Artrya, Cleanaway, DroneShield, and Nuix shares are pushing higher today
• ASX 200 tech shares rocket 13% as long-awaited sector rebound accelerates

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) is jumping higher on Monday, up 1.2% to $14.24.

The gain follows a fresh traffic update for April, which showed improving conditions across key markets. That includes Melbourne traffic rising 1.6% and Australian commercial vehicle traffic jumping 10.8%.

Still, the stock has underperformed over the longer term. Transurban shares are down around 0.5% over the past 12 months, while the ASX 200 Index has climbed roughly 7% in the same period.

So, what exactly is pushing the transport share higher today.

Global toll road giant

Transurban is one of the world’s largest toll road operators, with a portfolio spanning 22 major urban motorways across Australia and North America.

Its assets include key transport corridors in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as high-traffic express lanes in the US. The ASX 200 stock generates revenue by charging motorists tolls, with earnings typically supported by long-term concession agreements and inflation-linked pricing.

This model provides relatively stable and predictable cash flows, particularly given the essential nature of the infrastructure it operates.

Signs of improvement

The latest update of the ASX 200 stock points to stabilising traffic conditions after earlier weakness linked to macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.

In Melbourne, traffic increased 1.6% in April, supported by the ongoing ramp-up of the West Gate Tunnel project. The project is already delivering benefits, including reduced travel times and fuel savings for heavy vehicles, along with less truck traffic on local roads.

Notably, around 63% of traffic through the tunnel is made up of large vehicles, highlighting its importance to freight operators.

Across Australia, commercial vehicle traffic rose 10.8% overall — or 4.4% excluding the West Gate Tunnel contribution — signalling solid underlying demand from freight and logistics activity.

Elsewhere, Brisbane traffic edged up 0.7% for the month. Sydney, however, saw a 1.2% decline, impacted by holiday timing and ongoing construction works.

Pricing power

Beyond traffic volumes, Transurban also highlighted strong toll price growth in North America. Quarterly average tolls surged 14.6% on the 95 Express Lanes and 36.0% on the 495 Express Lanes.

The ASX 200 stock continues to benefit from a highly defensive revenue profile, with more than 90% of its income linked to CPI or fixed escalation mechanisms.

It also made progress on the balance sheet, refinancing $1.21 billion of WestConnex debt during the period. This move extends debt maturity and supports overall liquidity.

Foolish Takeaway

With the price of the ASX 200 stock on the rise, investors appear encouraged by signs that traffic is stabilising and key projects like the West Gate Tunnel are gaining traction.

Combined with resilient, inflation-linked revenues and ongoing balance sheet management, that may be enough to keep Transurban shares edging higher. At least for now.

The post Why is this $45 billion ASX 200 stock edging higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Viva Energy, Transurban and NAB shares are turning heads on Monday
• Transurban Group posts April traffic gains as West Gate Tunnel ramps up
• 3 excellent ASX dividend shares to buy in May
• 3 ASX dividend stocks I’d buy if I were a retiree
• $250,000 to invest for passive income? Here’s how I would build a portfolio

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

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) released its half-year results this morning and declared its latest interim dividend.

Here is what investors need to know.

NAB’s half-year results

As a reminder, NAB released a solid half-year result today that revealed modest earnings growth and strong capital position.

The bank reported statutory net profit of $2.75 billion and cash earnings of $2.64 billion for the half. Cash earnings excluding large notable items were $3.59 billion, up 2.3% compared with the previous half.

Commenting on the half, NAB’s CEO, Andrew Irvine, said:

Continued disciplined execution of our strategy and ongoing momentum across our business is reflected in NAB’s 1H26 operating performance. Changes to our software capitalisation policy this period, consistent with the rapidly changing technology environment, have lowered cash earnings by $949 million. Excluding this large notable item (LNI), cash earnings were 2.3% higher than 2H25 with underlying profit up 6.4% supported by strong growth of 5.4% in Business & Private Banking (B&PB).

The NAB dividend

In light of its performance, the NAB board elected to declare an interim dividend of 85 cents per share.

This is in line with recent dividends. NAB also paid shareholders an 85 cents per share interim dividend in FY 2025 and an 85 cents per share final dividend later that year.

As usual, this dividend is fully franked, which means franking credits are attached at the 30% tax rate.

When do NAB shares trade ex-dividend?

NAB shares are scheduled to trade ex-dividend on 7 May 2026. The record date is 8 May 2026.

The ex-dividend date is important because investors need to own the shares before this date to qualify for the dividend.

If an investor buys NAB shares on or after the ex-dividend date, they will not receive this interim dividend. Instead, the seller keeps the entitlement.

When will the dividend be paid?

Investors will have to wait around two months until pay day. NAB advised that the payment date is currently scheduled for 2 July 2026.

Shareholders don’t necessarily have to receive a cash dividend on that date.

NAB’s dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) will apply to this dividend. The last date for DRP elections is 11 May 2026 according to the release.

The DRP will include a 1.5% discount, with the reinvestment price based on the average volume weighted average price of NAB shares over the 25 trading days from 14 May to 18 June 2026.

The post Everything you need to know about the latest NAB dividend 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.