Tag: Stock pick

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.1% down as the market takes a breather following yesterday’s new record.

As reporting season continues on Friday, Morgans has run the ruler over the earnings results of three ASX 200 companies.

Let’s take a look.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

The Transurban share price is 3.3% higher at $14.34 on Friday.

Yesterday, Transurban reported a 6.4% lift in proportional operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $1,545 million for 1H FY26.

The market’s largest industrial sector stock will pay a dividend of 34 cents per share.

Morgans said:

1H26 Operating EBITDA (+6% on pcp) missed Visible Alpha consensus by 3% while Free Cash (+2% on pcp) was in-line (both were below our forecasts).

Changes to FY26-28F EBITDA are immaterial. Free Cash downgraded 1-3% mainly due to higher debt service outlook.

DPS forecast remains in line with DPS guidance for FY26 and for 5% pa growth across FY27-29F (within the 4-6% pa Free Cash growth range of the 2025 management long-term incentive plan).

The broker retained a hold rating on this ASX 200 industrial share with a 1% reduction in its 12-month price target to $13.19.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

The Bega Cheese share price is up 5.7% to $6.57 at the time of writing.

In earlier trading, the ASX 200 consumer staples share hit a new 52-week high of $6.72.

Yesterday, Bega Cheese reported a 55.3% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $46.9 million for 1H FY26.

Bega Cheese will pay an interim dividend of 7 cents per share.

Morgans said:

Pleasingly, BGA’s 1H26 result materially beat expectations given a stronger than expected performance from its Bulk business.

However, the result from its much larger Branded business was solid and would have been even stronger if BGA had more yoghurt capacity to take advantage of the strong demand for protein given health and wellness trends.

Importantly, expansion plans in this area are underway.

FY26 earnings guidance was upgraded. Given its restructuring activity, expansion plans and new product pipeline, we continue to believe that BGA will beat its FY28 EBITDA target of +A$250m. We think A$265m is more likely.

This underpins a strong growth profile across the forecast period.

Morgans has an accumulate rating on the ASX 200 consumer staples share. Its 12-month share price target is $7.10.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

The APA share price is 1.7% higher at $9.16 on Friday.

Yesterday, APA reported a 7.6% lift in underlying EBITDA to $1,092 million, with margins up to 77.3%, for 1H FY26.

Statutory NPAT lifted to $95 million, up from $34 million last year.

The ASX 200 utilities share will pay an interim dividend of 27.5 cents.

Morgans said:

Inflation-linked revenues, a cost-out program and contributions from new assets underpin short-term earnings growth.

Potential return on and of the enlarged growth capex pipeline in a rising interest rate environment will be a key investor focus, as will the headwind of approaching expiry of the WGP earnings in FY35.

Underlying EBITDA upgraded 1-2% across FY26-28F (Vic+NSW), Free Cash Flow +/-4-5% (tax and interest paid), and DPS growth unchanged at +1 cps/yr.

The mid-6% cash yield doesn’t compensate for ongoing decline in purchasing power of the DPS and flat equity value outlook.

Morgans has a trim rating on this ASX 200 utilities share with a 12-month price target of $7.96.

The post What is Morgans saying about APA, Bega Cheese, and Transurban shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 40%
• 3 ASX dividend shares with business models built for uncertain times
• Bega Cheese shares hit a 12-month high on strong profit numbers
• APA Group lifts earnings and growth outlook for 1H26

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have both rallied strongly in February after releasing solid half-year results. That naturally raises the question: Have investors missed the opportunity?

My view is no. While some of the easy gains may already have been made, I still believe both shares deserve a place in a balanced long-term portfolio.

BHP shares

BHP’s half-year update reinforced why it remains such a core holding for many investors. The company continues to generate strong cash flow from its diversified portfolio, particularly from copper and iron ore.

What also stood out to me was the announcement of a US$4.3 billion silver streaming agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals. Under the deal, BHP receives a significant upfront payment in exchange for a portion of future silver production from Antamina. As outlined in the company’s release, the agreement “maximises shareholder value by unlocking capital from a non-core commodity” and allows BHP to reallocate funds toward “high-return growth projects and shareholder returns.”

I like this move. It shows disciplined capital management. BHP is effectively monetising a by-product while retaining full exposure to its key commodities, including copper. For me, that reinforces the long-term investment case rather than detracting from it.

Yes, the share price is near recent highs. But BHP’s exposure to copper, which is central to electrification and energy transition themes, still gives it structural growth potential. In my opinion, that makes it more than just a cyclical trade.

CBA shares

CBA also delivered a strong half-year result. Cash NPAT rose 6% on the prior corresponding period, and the bank declared a fully-franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share.

Return on equity remained peer-leading at 13.8%, and the CET1 capital ratio sits at a robust 12.3%, well above regulatory minimums. Those numbers matter. They underline the bank’s strength and resilience.

I know many brokers argue that CBA looks expensive relative to its peers. And on traditional valuation metrics, it does trade at a premium. But I believe that premium reflects quality. Its deposit franchise, technology investment, and scale advantages are difficult to replicate.

If someone is building exposure to the banking sector and wants the highest-quality operator, I still think CBA is the logical choice.

Some gains are gone

It is true that buying after a rally can feel uncomfortable. The sharp bounce this month likely means some of the short-term upside has already played out.

But I do not invest in either BHP or CBA for a few weeks of price action. I see them as long-term holdings that can generate income, reinvest capital effectively, and deliver steady compounding over time.

As part of a diversified portfolio, I still view both shares as buys today.

Foolish takeaway

No, I do not think it is too late to buy BHP or CBA shares. While the recent rally may have captured some quick gains, both businesses continue to execute well and generate strong cash flows. For long-term investors, I believe they remain quality core holdings.

The post Is it too late to buy BHP and CBA shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares powering higher in 2026
• Brokers review 12-month price targets for 3 ASX 200 mining shares post-results
• With trend unemployment falling, here’s the latest RBA interest rate forecast from CBA
• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 3
• Buying BHP shares? Here’s why this was a HUGE week for the ASX mining giant

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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 BHP 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) has been mixed in recent weeks, with gains in some sectors offset by weakness in others. Despite that, a handful of large caps continue to climb and push towards fresh highs.

Recent results, dividend updates, and stronger commodity prices have helped push some blue-chip stocks higher.

Here are 3 ASX 200 shares that continue to power ahead.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

The CBA share price has jumped 17% over the past month and is up another 0.99% today to $179.96.

The rally followed the banking giant’s half-year results earlier this month. CBA reported statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $5.41 billion and cash net profit of $5.45 billion, up 6% on the prior corresponding period.

Investors also welcomed a fully-franked interim dividend of $2.35 per share, up 4% year on year. Credit quality remained solid, with home loan arrears declining and most borrowers ahead on repayments.

While net interest margin edged down to 2.04%, the result reinforced CBA’s position as the country’s strongest major bank. Management also highlighted ongoing investments in technology to improve productivity and the customer experience.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price has risen 15% over the past month and is up 0.66% today to $27.28. It recently touched an 18-month high of $27.34.

Part of the momentum has come from higher oil prices. Brent crude has climbed to a 6-month high amid geopolitical tensions and concerns about supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Earlier this year, Woodside reported record production for 2025 and continued progress across its major growth projects. The company’s strong operating performance and project pipeline have helped underpin confidence in its longer-term outlook.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price is up 11% over the past month and has gained another 0.6% today to $15.03.

The gold miner impressed investors with its recent half-year results, reporting record profit and a higher dividend. Evolution also surprised the market with a stronger-than-expected dividend payout, which helped drive a sharp share price reaction earlier this month.

Support has also come from a rising gold price. UBS recently lifted its short-term gold price target to US$6,200 per ounce, citing strong demand. Spot gold prices have surged in 2026 as investors move toward safe-haven assets.

Brokers have noted Evolution’s improving balance sheet and production outlook, particularly across its key assets. With gold near record levels and earnings momentum building, the stock has found plenty of buyers.

The post 3 ASX 200 shares powering higher in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is it too late to buy BHP and CBA shares?
• With trend unemployment falling, here’s the latest RBA interest rate forecast from CBA
• Why did the Woodside share price just hit an 18-month high?
• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 3
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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.

This week was a big one on the ASX, thanks to earnings season ramping up. We heard from a number of blue-chip ASX 200 stocks this week, including Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). But it was perhaps Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)’s latest earnings and dividend that were the most fascinating to go through.

As we went through yesterday, it was an exceptionally well-received report that Telstra released for its half-year ending 31 December. The telco posted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation after leases (EBITDAaL) of $4.2 billion, up 4.9% over the same period in 2024. Cash earnings rose 14% to $2.5 billion. While earnings per share (EPS) were up 11% to 9.9 cents.

Overall, Telstra reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $1.2 billion. That was an increase of 8.1% on the prior period.

Investors were also delighted to hear that Telstra would be expanding its share buyback program. Telstra revealed that it had successfully purchased $637 million worth of stock over the six months to 31 December. However, the telco revealed yesterday that it would increase its overall buyback cap over the rest of FY 2026 from $1 billion to $1.25 billion.

But let’s talk about the latest Telstra dividend.

Telstra reveals its first partially-franked dividend in 27 years

At first glance, it looked as though income investors had hit the jackpot with the dividend Telstra announced yesterday. Shareholders will enjoy an interim dividend worth 10.5 cents per share from the telco. That’s up 10.5% from last year’s interim dividend of 9.5 cents per share. It will be the largest single dividend that Telstra has funded in almost a decade.

That all sounded peachy. But something startling became evident when we dove a little deeper. This dividend, rather shockingly, will not come with full franking credits attached. This marks the first time Telstra hasn’t paid a fully-franked dividend since 1999.

To be fair, Telstra’s latest dividend is almost fully franked. It will come partially franked to 90.5%. But even so, this is a dramatic change for Telstra investors, who are used to seeing large, fully-franked dividends from this telco.

So what’s going on here? Well, the company itself didn’t really explain why this latest dividend has departed from the fully franked trend, only saying this:

On the back of cash earnings growth, the Board resolved to pay an interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share. The interim dividend is 90.5% franked, with a franked amount of 9.5 cents per share and an unfranked amount of 1 cent per share. The interim dividend uplift, and the level of franking applied, is consistent with our Capital Management Framework, and our aim to deliver a sustainable and growing dividend. Our dividend is supported by strong cash earnings this half, and our Connected Future 30 ambition remains to deliver mid – single digit growth in cash earnings.

A company can attach franking credits to its dividends only if it has accumulated those credits by paying corporate tax in Australia. Telstra obviously does this. However, perhaps part of this dividend was funded from cash that did not come from profits fully taxed in Australia. Perhaps Tesltra has deemed it prudent to keep franking credits on its books for a later date. We don’t know for sure.

Even so, this is a momentous dividend for Telstra investors. It will be very interesting indeed to see Telstra’s final dividend later this year and whether this partially franked interim dividend is a one-off or the start of a new era for Telstra’s income investors.

The post Why isn’t the new Telstra dividend fully franked? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Bell Potter saying about Telstra shares following its strong result?
• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 3
• Telstra shares just hit a 9-year high. Here’s why
• ASX 200 lifts to record high amid strong earnings and new jobs data
• Why Hub24, Sonic, Telstra, and Universal Store shares are racing higher today

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.

ASX 200 bank shares are outperforming on Friday.

The S&P/ASX 200 Banks Index (ASX: XBK) is currently up 0.43% while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.13%.

As earnings season continues, all of the banks due to report have now done so.

This has prompted brokers to review their ratings and 12-month price targets.

Let’s take a look at how earnings season played out for one regional and one major bank, and the experts’ conclusions on both.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price is down 3.5% to $11.04 on Friday.

This week, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank reported cash earnings of $256.4 million for 1H FY26.

That was a 2.8% increase on 2H FY25 but a 3.3% decrease compared to 1H FY25.

The ASX 200 bank share fell 2.2% on the day of the report.

Brokers have now reviewed their new ratings and 12-month price targets on Bendigo Bank shares.

Ord Minnett reiterated its buy rating and lifted its price target from $11 to $11.50.

Jarden reiterated its hold rating on the ASX 200 bank share with an $11 target.

UBS kept its hold rating with a target of $10.95.

Jefferies reiterated its hold rating and lifted its target from $9.51 to $9.64.

Citi kept its sell rating but lifted its price target slightly from $10.25 to $10.50.

Morgan Stanley kept its sell rating with a price target of $10.40.

Macquarie reiterated its sell rating with a price target of $10.

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price traded at a 52-week high of $13.73 last August.

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

The ANZ share is up 0.9% to $40.43 on Friday.

Last week, ANZ revealed a $1.94 billion cash profit for 1Q FY26, which was 75% higher than the 2H FY25 quarterly average.

Management said the strong profit was driven by a 4% bump in operating income and a 21% reduction in operating expenses.

The ASX 200 bank share ripped 8.5% on the day of the report.

The next day, ANZ shares reached a record high of $41 per share.

After going over the numbers, the experts have reassessed their ratings and 12-month price targets for ANZ shares.

Jarden reiterated its buy rating with a $35 target.

Morgan Stanley upgraded ANZ to a buy and raised its 12-month share price target from $36.30 to $41.30.

Macquarie kept its hold rating on the ASX 200 bank share with a price target of $37.

Jefferies reiterated its hold rating on ANZ shares with a price target of $34.55.

Morgans downgraded ANZ to a sell rating but increased its target slightly from $32.57 to $32.65.

Ord Minnett kept its sell rating with a price target of $33.

UBS retained a sell rating but lifted its target from $35 to $36.50.

The post How do the experts rate ANZ and Bendigo Bank shares after their earnings reports? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Recap: Winners and losers from earnings season week 3
• Are ASX bank stocks back in favour after earnings season?
• Is this ASX 200 bank share a buy after its recent result?
• ASX recap: 5 most traded shares last week
• What have we learned from earnings season so far?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Jefferies Financial Group and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) share price has continued to fall after the company released its half-year results on Wednesday.

Healius shares are down 2.45% today to 71.7 cents.

That follows a 6.75% fall on results day and a further 3.29% decline in the prior session. The stock is now trading at a record low and is down around 20% since the start of 2026.

While parts of the business showed improvement, investors remain focused on the company’s ongoing losses.

Let’s take a closer look at what was reported.

Revenue rises but losses remain

For the 6 months to 31 December 2025, Healius reported revenue of $688.1 million, up 3.8% on the prior corresponding period.

Underlying EBITDA increased 13.1% to $122.2 million. The company also delivered underlying EBIT of $7.9 million, an improvement on the loss recorded a year earlier.

The core pathology division generated revenue of $666.3 million, up 3.5%, with EBIT improving to $5.2 million.

Agillex Biolabs, which provides specialist laboratory services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, was a stronger performer. Revenue increased 16% to $21.8 million, and EBIT rose 145.5% to $2.7 million.

Despite these improvements, Healius reported a statutory net loss after tax of $30.4 million, reflecting restructuring costs, digital program expenses, and finance costs.

The company also confirmed it will not pay an interim dividend.

Balance sheet and cost savings in focus

Healius ended the half with net cash of $11.6 million. It held $51.6 million in cash and had $40 million in drawn debt.

Management said cost reduction initiatives are continuing. The company is targeting $15 million to $20 million in annual support cost savings, with $10.7 million in annualised savings already delivered in the first half.

The group also confirmed its major digital program has been completed, with future technology spend expected to return to more typical levels.

Healius expects full-year earnings to be in line with current market expectations and continues to target high single-digit EBIT margins by June 2027.

Investors remain unconvinced

Although some operating metrics improved, the market is focused on the continued statutory loss and the uncertainty around the pace of recovery.

With the share price now at a record low, investor confidence remains weak. The market is looking for clearer evidence that revenue growth and cost reductions can deliver consistent profits.

Foolish Takeaway

Healius is delivering some improvement at an operational level, particularly in pathology and Agillex. However, the company remains loss-making on a statutory basis and is not returning cash to shareholders.

Until profits stabilise and become consistent, the share price may remain under pressure despite signs of progress.

The post Healius shares hit record low after half-year loss. Here’s what happened appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Baby Bunting, Capstone Copper, Healius, and Suncorp shares are falling today
• Argo Investments reports record profit and dividend

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.

It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this industrial property company’s shares with a trimmed price target of $36.45. It notes that Goodman delivered earnings ahead of consensus expectations during the first half. However, that wasn’t enough to stop its shares from being sold off. Bell Potter believes this selling reflects the lack of earnings upgrade, which it notes has featured at the half-year result in 8 of the last 10 years. In addition, it feels that the market is looking for further milestones with its data centre developments, particularly regarding tenant customer signings and clarity on profit-realising milestones to track delivery progress. The Goodman share price is trading at $30.30 on Friday afternoon.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this investment platform provider’s shares with a trimmed price target of $120.00. Bell Potter highlights that Hub24 delivered a strong first-half result that outperformed on almost all fronts. But the key takeaway from the result for the broker was the large step up in existing adviser net inflows. It believes this suggests that its share of wallet has only started to improve. It also points out that adviser density has increased and AI is expected to lift deployment velocity for the new ecosystem. All in all, the broker believes this leaves it well-positioned for growth in the coming years. The Hub24 share price is fetching $98.79 at the time of writing.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Analysts at Morgans have retained their buy rating on this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares with a trimmed price target of $36.80. The broker notes that Lovisa reported a strong underlying half-year result with EBIT up 20.4%. This was ~6% ahead of its expectations, driven by store network growth and strong gross margins. It was pleased to see the pace of its store rollout continue with a net of 64 new stores, bringing the total count to 1,095. In response, the broker has increased its earnings estimates for FY 2026 and FY 2027. So, with its shares pulling back meaningfully recently and trading at 27x estimated FY 2027 earnings, the broker sees this as a buying opportunity for investors. The Lovisa share price is trading at $26.34 this afternoon.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares storming 22% to 29% higher this week
• Why Goodman shares could be heading 20%+ higher
• Bullish or bearish? Bell Potter gives its verdict on this high-flying ASX 200 stock
• Buy, hold, or sell? Goodman Group, Wesfarmers, Zip shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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, Hub24, and Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group, Hub24, and Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 financial shares are outperforming on Friday.

The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) is currently up 0.2% while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.16%.

As earnings season continues, the following two financial sector companies have revealed their latest reports.

The reports prompted experts to reassess their ratings and 12-month price targets on these ASX 200 financial shares.

Let’s take a look.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The IAG share price is 2.2% higher at $7.11 on Friday.

Last week, the insurance giant reported a 23% revenue lift to $11.14 billion but a 35.1% decrease in net profit after tax (NPAT) for 1H FY26.

After reviewing the numbers, the experts have revised their ratings and 12-month targets.

Jarden reiterated its buy rating and shaved its share price target down from $8.20 to $8.10.

Jefferies also kept a buy rating with a price target of $9.20.

JP Morgan kept its buy rating on IAG shares with a price target of $7.70.

Macquarie reiterated its buy rating with a price target of $9.

UBS maintained its buy rating with a price target of $9.

Morgan Stanley kept its hold rating and reduced its price target from $8.45 to $7.50.

The IAG share price reached an all-time high of $9.18 in June 2025.

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

The AMP share price is down 1% to $1.36 at the time of writing.

Last week, AMP reported its full-year FY25 results.

AMP reported a 20.8% lift in underlying NPAT to $285 million, but an 11.3% fall in statutory NPAT to $133 million.

The wealth manager said the statutory NPAT decline reflected legacy legal settlements.

The AMP share price tumbled 27% on the news and experienced its biggest intraday fall since 2003.

Brokers have reviewed the report and reassessed their ratings and targets.

Jarden upgraded AMP shares to a buy but reduced its 12-month price target from $1.85 to $1.65.

Morgan Stanley retained its buy rating on the ASX 200 financial share with a lowered price target of $1.90 (from $2.20).

Jefferies also kept a buy rating with a price target of $1.75.

Ord Minnett upgraded AMP shares to a buy but cut its target from $2.05 to $1.65.

Citi reiterated its buy rating but reduced its 12-month price target from $2.10 to $1.80.

UBS maintained its buy rating and lowered its target from $1.90 to $1.75.

Macquarie kept its buy rating with a price target of $1.80.

The AMP share price hit a 52-week high of $13.73 in August 2025.

The post Brokers re-rate IAG and AMP shares after earnings results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week
• ASX recap: 5 most traded shares last week
• Is the AMP share price a buy after the huge sell-off?
• Prediction: IAG shares could jump to $10 in 2026
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 JPMorgan Chase, Jefferies Financial Group, and 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 Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price resumed trading on Friday after the uranium producer lifted its halt.

At the time of writing, the Paladin share price is up 3.7% to $13.72, extending its strong run in 2026. Even before today’s move, the stock was already up close to 40% this year.

The trading halt was requested pending an update on the company’s Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project in Canada.

Now that the announcement has landed, here’s what investors need to know.

Key approval secured for PLS project

According to the release, Paladin confirmed it has received Ministerial approval for its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the PLS Project in Saskatchewan.

The approval was granted under Saskatchewan’s Environmental Assessment Act and marks a major regulatory milestone for the high-grade uranium project in the Athabasca Basin.

The EIS approval is required before the company can secure provincial permits and licences needed for construction and operation.

Paladin said it will now continue working with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission through the federal licensing process. At the same time, it will advance the technical work required to support future construction approval.

Management described the decision as an important step forward for the project.

What today’s decision changes for Paladin

Today’s announcement moves Patterson Lake South into the next stage of regulatory progress.

Environmental approval does not mean construction begins immediately. However, it clears a major provincial hurdle and allows the company to focus on federal licensing and detailed planning work.

Large uranium projects can spend years navigating environmental reviews. With this milestone complete, the remaining pathway is more defined.

It also creates clearer project sequencing. Langer Heinrich is ramping up in Namibia, while PLS now advances through formal approvals in Canada. The company is progressing from a single-asset recovery toward a staged project development.

Foolish takeaway

Paladin shares have rallied strongly this year as uranium fundamentals improve and production ramps up.

Today’s environmental approval for Patterson Lake South is another step forward. While further work remains before construction begins, the project is now firmly on a defined path toward development.

Uranium is currently trading around US$89 per pound, after recently hitting a near-2-year high above US$100. Although prices have eased from that peak, they remain well above levels seen in recent years.

With the Paladin share price around $13.72, the company now has a market capitalisation of roughly $5 billion. That valuation reflects both its producing asset in Namibia and expectations around future growth.

The post Paladin share price jumps after major Canadian project approval appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

PWR Holdings Ltd (ASX: PWH) shares are having a strong finish to the week.

In afternoon trade, the heavily shorted ASX 300 stock is up 12% to $9.85.

Why is this ASX 300 stock jumping?

Investors have been buying the advanced cooling technology company’s shares today following the release of its half-year results after the market close on Thursday.

For the six months ended 31 December, the ASX 300 stock reported a 27.8% increase in revenue to $80.4 million. This was driven by higher volumes across the Motorsports and Aerospace and Defence (A&D) market sectors.

Motorsport revenue increased 40% during the period, supported by broader category adoptions of PWR’s proprietary core constructions. While A&D delivered 31% revenue growth driven by Defence, Commercial Aerospace (including eVTOL) and the developing MRO market.

OEM revenue increased 18.8% in the period reflecting maturity of production programs, and Aftermarket revenue was modestly lower. This is consistent with its deliberate revision of discount structures to support margin improvement.

Growing at an even stronger rate was the company’s EBITDA, which increased 47.6% to $16.2 million. Management advised that this reflected margin expansion from improved operating leverage.

On the bottom line, PWR’s statutory net profit after tax increased 38.6% to $5.7 million. This growth rate was lower due to higher depreciation mostly related to the new Stapylton headquarters, coupled with increased finance charges on higher debt to fund the new facility.

In light of this strong profit, the ASX 300 stock’s board elected to increase its fully franked interim dividend by 50% to 3 cents per share.

Management commentary

PWR’s chairman, Kees Weel, was pleased with the transition to the Stapylton facility. He said:

The successful transition to the Stapylton facility is a significant milestone for PWR, and I acknowledge the team for delivering the project on time and within budget while maintaining operational continuity. The new facility strengthens our vertically integrated global manufacturing platform and supports long-term growth across our key markets.

The ASX 300 stock’s acting CEO, Matthew Bryson, added:

This result reflects strong revenue performance across Motorsports and Aerospace & Defence, together with the early operating leverage from our new, purpose-built Stapylton facility. The move to a significantly larger and more advanced manufacturing platform is a structural step-change for the business, positioning PWR to capture further growth in these key market sectors while strengthening our position in technically complex, niche advanced cooling markets.

Outlook

The company advised that it expects “modest NPAT margin improvement in FY26.”

Looking further ahead, it sees a pathway to NPAT margin recovery. It highlights that “strategic investment in capacity, capability and accreditations underpins growth, with margins expected to trend back toward FY24 levels over a three-to-five-year period, driven by improving operating leverage.”

The post Why this heavily shorted ASX 300 stock is jumping 12% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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