Tag: Stock pick

Clinical trial company Cogstate Ltd (ASX: CGS) reported its half-year results last week, and it’s making at least one broker sit up and notice.

The team at Canaccord Genuity has had a look at the result and likes what they see, reiterating a bullish share price target for the company’s shares.

So let’s have a look at what was reported.

Solid profit growth

Cogstate reported group revenue of $26.9 million, up 12% on the previous corresponding period, while net profit was up 16% to $4.5 million.

The company also said it executed clinical trials and sales contracts worth $4.17 million, up 105%, with contracted future revenue increasing to $104.9 million.

Cogstate said regarding the result:

Cogstate continues to demonstrate strong growth with compelling evidence of maturing operational leverage. The business is increasingly well positioned to win market share with CNS (central nervous system) drug commercialisation expected to be among the fastest growing areas of pharmaceutical research and development spending, second only to oncology.  

Gostate chief executive officer Brad O’Connor said the company had good momentum and an increasingly strong competitive position.

He added:

We’re seeing record levels of sales opportunities from an expanded customer base across more therapeutic indications, and those opportunities are converting into meaningful contract wins. The quality of our sales performance is as important as the quantum. With 45% of our 1H26 contracts coming from mood, sleep and neurological conditions beyond Alzheimer’s disease, we’re demonstrating the diversification and repeatability that creates long-term value. Our investments in channel partnerships, scientific expertise across new indications, and our proven track record of delivering successful large-scale trials are all translating into tangible commercial results.

Shares looking cheap

The team at Canaccord Genuity ran the ruler over the results, and they like what they see.

They have maintained their buy recommendation on the shares, with a price target of $3.15.

They said in a note to clients sent out this week:

The company’s interim result likely doesn’t elucidate the growing moat in Cogstate’s business, and how that could emerge over the coming years in its profit and loss. The type of business being secured by Cogstate is more diversified (expansion outside of Alzheimer’s Disease), and increasingly more predictable. This allows investors (and us) to frame Cogstate based on its core business, and recognize the large, and somewhat irregular, Phase III Alzheimer’s’ Disease trials as additional (big) sugar hits on top of a quality underlying business.

Cogstate was valued at $373.9 million at the close of trade on Monday.

The post This clinical trial company is a buy following its first half results, one broker says appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS) shares have raced 9% higher during Tuesday afternoon trading to $4.22.

Investors were impressed with the strong first-half FY26 results that Kelsian released in the morning.

Kelsian delivered solid revenue growth and a sharp lift in profit. The transport business also announced the $161 million sale of its tourism portfolio to Journey Beyond.

Global transport operator

Kelsian calls itself a leading global transport operator.  The company runs bus, motorcoach, and marine services under long-term contracts with governments and private clients, delivering essential passenger transport every day.

All up, Kelsian runs more than 5,800 buses, 124 vessels, and 24 light rail vehicles across Australia, the UK, Singapore, the US, and the Channel Islands. In the past year, it powered 384 million passenger journeys.

Quality earnings story

For the 6 months to 31 December 2025, Kelsian saw its revenue rise by 10.6% to $1.186 billion. The statutory net profit after tax surged 61.6% to $32.4 million.

Underlying EBITDA climbed 16.4% to $153.8 million, and underlying EBIT jumped 26.5%, pointing to improving margins and tighter operational execution across the group.

This wasn’t just a revenue story — it was a quality-of-earnings story. Kelsian shares generated stronger operating cash flow, strengthened its balance sheet, and kept leverage under control.

Kelsian Group CEO, Graeme Legh, was pleased that all three divisions contributed to the growth:

The result was driven by significant growth across key employee shuttle contracts in the USA, the ongoing contribution of the Bankstown Rail Replacement bus services in Sydney and strong trading from across the Marine & Tourism portfolio.

Sale Sealink and Captain Cook Cruises

In a strategic move, Kelsian announced the $161 million sale of its tourism portfolio to Journey Beyond.

The sale marks a clear step away from discretionary tourism and back toward Kelsian’s core strength, contracted passenger transport. It will free up capital, reduce complexity, and double down on the more predictable, contracted side of the business.

Under the deal, Journey Beyond will acquire 100% of the shares in Sealink Fraser Island, Captain Cook Cruises, plus the assets of Adelaide Sightseeing, amongst others.

The transaction still needs the tick of approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Foreign Investment Review Board. If Kelsian clears those hurdles, it expects completion in the first half of FY27.

What next for Kelsian shares?

Encouragingly, management upgraded full-year EBITDA guidance, signalling confidence in second-half momentum.

Kelsian also rewarded shareholders with a dependable income, a fully-franked interim dividend of 8 cents per share. Kelsian will pay it on 20 April.

CMC Markets projections expect Kelsian shares to deliver a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.2% in FY26 and 6.9% in FY27, including franking credits.

The post Kelsian shares up 9% after sharp lift in profit and $161m sale appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Are Westpac shares a buy after the bank’s positive earnings results?
• Where to now for EOS shares after a 500% surge?
• Gold price reverses course after 4-day run
• Up 97% in 2 years, can Qantas shares keep the momentum going when the airline reports results on Thursday?
• Which ASX stock is pushing higher after strong half-year results

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 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.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares are marching higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock closed yesterday trading for $42.04. In early afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $42.30 apiece, up 0.5%.

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

Today’s outperformance is par for the course for the big four bank over the past year. With today’s intraday moves factored in, Westpac shares now up 35.2% in 12 months, racing ahead of the 8.4% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

And that’s not including the two fully franked Westpac dividends, totalling $1.53 a share, the big bank paid out over the full year. Westpac trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 3.6%.

ASX 200 bank stock gets an earnings results boost

Westpac shares have gained 3.2% since market close on 12 February, while the ASX 200 has slumped 0.4% in this time.

That date is important, as the bank reported its first quarter earnings results on 13 February.

Highlights included net operating income of $5.81 billion, up 1% on the second half of 2025 average.

Westpac reported a 0.03% reduction in its net interest margin (NIM) for the three months to 1.94%. The bank said this reflected pressure from competition and the lower interest rate environment during the quarter.

On the bottom line, the ASX 200 bank stock achieved a 5% increase (compared to the second half of 2025 average) in unaudited statutory net profit to $1.9 billion.

“We are optimistic on the outlook for the economy and expect demand for both business and household credit to remain resilient,” Westpac CEO Anthony Miller said on the day.

Which brings us back to our headline question…

Should you buy Westpac shares following the strong Q1 results?

Catapult Wealth’s Dylan Evans recently ran his slide rule over the ASX 200 bank stock (courtesy of The Bull).

“The bank’s first quarter update in fiscal year 2026 was positive, with profit growth of 6%, excluding notable items, tracking ahead of consensus,” Evans said. “The bank’s cost cutting program has the potential to boost earnings. “

As for the balance sheet, Evans added, “Upside potential is backed by one of the best balance sheets in the sector, and a strong retail banking franchise.”

But amid valuation concerns, Evans isn’t ready to pull the buy trigger yet, with a hold recommendation on Westpac shares.

He concluded:

Despite the positives, Westpac and the broader banking sector remain relatively expensive given modest growth expectations, so it’s difficult to make a case for an overweight allocation.

Westpac trades on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of around 20 times.

The post Are Westpac shares a buy after the bank’s positive earnings results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Shares in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) are in the green despite heavy losses on Wall Street overnight.

At the time of writing, the counter-drone defence company’s shares are up 1.29% to $7.85.

That gain follows the release of the company’s full-year result on Monday. The EOS share price climbed as high as $8.79 during the session before finishing at $7.75, up 5.87% from Friday’s close of $7.32.

Despite recent price swings, the stock is still up around 500% over the past 12 months.

What did the latest numbers show?

For FY25, EOS reported revenue from continuing operations of $128.5 million, down 27% on the prior year. The decline was driven largely by lower activity in defence systems, where revenue fell to $115.8 million from $165.7 million.

Despite the lower revenue base, gross margin improved to 63%. Underlying EBITDA remained negative at $24.4 million, reflecting operating losses and ongoing investment. Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) came in at $17.5 million, boosted by the sale of EM Solutions.

Importantly, the balance sheet strengthened. All borrowings were repaid during the year, and cash at bank stood at $106.9 million at 31 December 2025. The company has also secured a new $100 million term loan facility.

Order book drives the growth narrative

The standout figure in the results was the order book. EOS ended the year with an unconditional order book of $459 million, up from $136 million a year earlier.

During FY25, the company signed $424 million worth of contracts, compared with just $70 million in FY24. Key wins included major remote weapon system (RWS) contracts and high energy laser (HELW) awards.

Management said it aims to realise 40% to 50% of the current order book in 2026. If delivered, that would imply a material step up in revenue over the next year.

The company also announced the acquisition of MARSS, a Europe-based counter-drone C2 provider, in January. The deal expands EOS’s capabilities and could support further order book growth, though integration will need to be managed carefully.

What is one broker saying?

Bell Potter remains positive on EOS shares. The broker retained its ‘buy’ rating after the results but reduced its price target to $9.70 from $12.00.

Based on today’s price of $7.85, that suggests potential upside of roughly 25% over the next 12 months.

The broker acknowledged mixed earnings but highlighted the strong order intake, supportive defence spending backdrop and improving margin profile.

Foolish takeaway

EOS shares have already delivered exceptional gains over the past year.

The enlarged order book provides revenue visibility and supports expectations of growth in 2026. However, underlying profitability remains negative and the company must convert orders into cash flow.

If management can deliver on its guidance and margins hold up, there may still be room for further gains. But after a 500% run, expectations are higher and volatility is likely to continue.

The post Where to now for EOS shares after a 500% surge? 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 positions in and has recommended Electro Optic Systems. 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 gold shares are putting in a mixed performance as the gold price reverses course after a four-day run of gains.

Safe-haven trading inspired a four-day sprint after the US Supreme Court declared US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs illegal.

Trump has responded by slapping a 15% tariff on every nation for 150 days, which means a 50% increase for Australia.

The gold price lifted 2% overnight to close at US$5,209.55 per ounce.

However, the yellow metal has reversed course during intraday trading on Tuesday.

The gold price is currently US$5,183 per tonne, down 0.8%.

This has led to a 1.2% fall in the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) today.

Analysts at Trading Economics said the gold price is falling as traders consider renewed tariff risks and persistent geopolitical uncertainty.

They said nations were reassessing their trade positions after the ruling, despite Trump’s threats of higher tariffs if they “play games”.

The analysts commented:

The EU halted the ratification process of its trade agreement, while India deferred talks with the US.

On the geopolitical front, attention remains on US-Iran nuclear talks, set to resume on Thursday.

Trump said he prefers a negotiated settlement but cautioned that serious consequences could follow if a deal is not reached.

5 ASX 200 gold shares reached record highs today

The day started on a high with five ASX 200 gold shares reaching new record highs, before retreating.

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price rose 5.6% to a record $30.93 this morning.

The market’s largest ASX 200 gold share is now $29.33, up 0.1%.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price rose 5.2% to a new record high of $16.39 in earlier trading.

Now, Evolution shares are $15.38, down 1.3%.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares lifted 5.7% to an all-time high of $5.16 before reversing course.

The ASX 200 gold share is now $4.81 apiece, down 1.5%.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares rose 4.8% to a record $7.93 apiece this morning.

Now, Westgold Resources shares are $7.68, up 1.4%.

The Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price reached a multi-decade high of $9.22, up 3.6%, in earlier trading.

The ASX 200 gold share is now $8.80, down 1.2%.

What’s next for the gold price?

Shaw & Partners predicts that the gold price will increase to US$6,000 per ounce in CY26.

The broker is tipping a further rise to US$6,500 per ounce in CY27 and US$7,000 per ounce in CY28. 

Bank of America is forecasting gold to reach US$6,000 per ounce this year.

In a note to clients, BoA analyst Michael Hartnett said (courtesy Kitco News):

History no guide to future, but avg gold jump past 4 bull markets ≈ 300% in 43 months which would imply gold reaching $6,000 by spring.

Some analysts are even more optimistic.

René Hochreiter from NOAH Capital Markets and Sieberana Research anticipates a peak gold price of US$6,300 per ounce in CY26.

He comments:

Geopolitical events in 2026 are likely to continue unabated, putting upward pressure on the price.

World governments are building up their gold reserves in anticipation of de-dollarisation. 

Julia Du from ICBC Standard Bank says the gold price could crack US$7,000 per ounce this year.

I expect 2026 to be a year of heightened geopolitical risk and strong safe-haven demand, allowing gold to continue the volatile yet upward trend.

Central banks are likely to keep adding to reserves, institutional investors will increase portfolio allocations, and retail demand – especially in Latin America – should remain robust.

Combined with continued Fed rate cuts, these forces support a bullish bias.

Other experts are less ambitious with their forecasts.

Last month, Goldman Sachs raised its year-end forecast for 2026 to US$5,400 per ounce.

The broker said this prediction is based on two factors:

The first is continued purchases by central banks as they continue to diversify their reserves by buying bullion.

The second is investor allocations into gold thanks to the Federal Reserve rate cuts that Goldman Sachs Research expects to see this year.

Lina Thomas, senior commodities analyst at Goldman Sachs Research, expects volatility for the gold price but also sees a “significant upside” risk to the broker’s forecast.

James Steel from HSBC tips a peak price of US$5,050 per ounce.

Steel says:

The “fear of missing out” has attracted a new coterie of buyers which is injecting added volatility into the market.

Heavy buying by institutional investors including momentum purchases may continue.

Long positions on the CME are high but subject to liquidation. Trading may be characterised by wide ranges this year.

The post Gold price reverses course after 4-day run appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings 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 Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended HSBC Holdings. 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.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline closed yesterday trading for $10.51. During the Tuesday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $10.43 apiece, down 0.8%.

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

Today’s underperformance flies against the trend set by the airline over the past two years.

Indeed, if you’d bought Qantas shares at market close on 23 February 2024, you’d be sitting on a capital gain of 96.8% today.

And that doesn’t include the two fully franked dividends, totalling 52.8 cents a share, that Qantas paid out over the last 12 months. As you may know, FY 2025 saw the return of the Qantas dividend, which had been suspended since 2020 amid the global pandemic travel bans.

Qantas stock currently trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 5.1%.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

What to expect from Qantas shares following Thursday’s earnings results?

Qantas shares will be in sharp focus on Thursday, when the company releases its half year earnings results (H1 FY 2026).

As a quick recap, for the full year FY 2025, Qantas achieved an 8.6% year-on-year increase in revenue and other income to $23.82 billion. And the company reported a 28% lift in statutory profit after tax to $1.61 billion.

FY 2025 also saw Qantas complete on-market share buybacks totalling $431 million.

Commenting on what investors might expect for H1 FY 2026, Zavier Wong, market analyst at eToro, said, “Qantas enters its half-year result in a very different position to where it was two years ago.”

According to Wong:

Under CEO Vanessa Hudson, the airline has stabilised operations, rebuilt some customer trust, and returned capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. The big question for this result is whether that momentum is holding.

And, as of early November, it looks like that momentum may indeed be holding.

Wong noted:

Qantas flagged in November that first-half trading was in line with expectations, which is reassuring heading into these results. Both Qantas and Jetstar are seeing stable demand across their respective segments, which is solid rather than spectacular.

The performance of the company’s Jetstar division could also have a significant impact on how Qantas shares move on Thursday.

“Jetstar has been the group’s earnings engine in recent years, posting record profits on the back of strong demand for low-fare travel,” Wong said. “The group is also refocusing Jetstar on Australian operations following the exit of Jetstar Asia.”

Atop the Jetstar results, Wong pointed to another key, and underappreciated, part of the business that could move Qantas shares on Thursday.

He said:

Qantas Loyalty remains one of the most underappreciated parts of the business, consistently delivering strong earnings growth and double-digit membership gains. It’s not always the star of the show, but it’s one of the best businesses in the group.

As for key areas to keep an eye on, Wong concluded, “Investors should watch closely for any dividend or buyback update, and for management’s read on demand heading into the second half and Project Sunrise timelines.”

The post Up 97% in 2 years, can Qantas shares keep the momentum going when the airline reports results on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) share price is edging higher on Tuesday. This comes after the company released its half-year results for the period ended 31 December 2025.

At the time of writing, shares in the copper and gold producer are up 0.98% to 51.5 cents. The modest gain adds to what has been an extraordinary run for shareholders, with the stock up around 220% over the past 12 months.

Here is what the company reported.

Profit jumps as margins improve

For the half-year, Aeris delivered revenue of $306.3 million, up 5% on the prior corresponding period.

Cost of goods sold fell 9% to $212.8 million, helping drive a sharp lift in profitability. Gross profit rose 57% to $93.5 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased to $133 million from $84.8 million a year earlier.

Net profit after tax (NPAT) came in at $47.9 million, up 62% from $29.6 million in the prior period. Basic earnings per share (EPS) increased to 4.7 cents from 3.1 cents.

Operating cash flow was strong at $97.3 million for the half, supported by improved commodity pricing and steady production across key assets.

Balance sheet strengthened

Aeris finished the half with cash and cash equivalents of $87.9 million, up significantly from $28.2 million at 30 June 2025.

Net assets increased to $452.6 million from $317.7 million at the end of the previous financial year.

Importantly, the company fully repaid and cancelled its $50 million WHSP loan facility during the half. Management said this materially deleverages the balance sheet and reduces future interest costs.

The stronger financial position provides additional flexibility as the company continues to invest in exploration and project development activities.

Operations remain steady

During the half, Tritton copper operations produced 11,141 tonnes of copper, up from the prior corresponding period. Cracow gold operations also delivered solid output.

Higher gold and copper prices provided a supportive backdrop, helping offset cost pressures and underpinning margins.

Globally, copper prices have remained firm amid ongoing supply constraints and steady industrial demand. Gold prices have also traded at much higher levels, supporting revenue for producers with exposure to the metal.

Aeris said it remains on track to meet its FY26 production guidance, with continued drilling and development work underway across its portfolio.

Foolish Takeaway

Aeris Resources delivered a stronger half-year result, driven by higher commodity prices, improved margins, and disciplined cost control.

Profit, cash flow, and net assets all increased, and the company has materially reduced debt by repaying its WHSP facility.

With copper and gold prices remaining supportive, Aeris enters the second half of FY26 in a stronger financial position.

The post Which ASX stock is pushing higher after strong half-year results 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.1% to 9,020.7 points.

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

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

The Cedar Woods share price is up 5% to $8.36. Investors have been buying the property company’s shares following the release of a strong half-year result. Cedar Woods reported record net profit after tax of $39.6 million. This was up 163% on the previous corresponding period. In addition, management upgraded its FY 2026 guidance. It now expects net profit after tax growth of 30% to 35%. This is up from its previous guidance for a minimum of 20%. Cedar Woods’ managing director, Nathan Blackburne, said: “This exceptional first half result helps set the Company up for a record full year profit result. We are upgrading guidance to 30% to 35% NPAT growth, a result that will deliver very strong shareholder return metrics. The upgrade has been made possible by strong sales conditions which has enabled additional price growth, further settlements and significantly lower marketing spend.”

Clearview Wealth Ltd (ASX: CVW)

The Clearview Wealth share price is up 17% to 62.5 cents. This has been driven by takeover news. ClearView advised that it has entered into a scheme implementation deed with Zurich Financial Services Australia. Under the terms of the scheme, ClearView shareholders will receive cash consideration of 65 cents per share.

Emerald Resources NL (ASX: EMR)

The Emerald Resources share price is up 3% to $6.84. This has been driven by the gold miner’s half-year results release. Emerald Resources reported a 7% increase in revenue to $257 million and a 23% lift in profit to $73.1 million. The company said: “Emerald’s operating performance is underpinned by the consistent production achieved by the 100% owned Okvau Gold Mine, which has allowed the Company to invest in its growth strategy within its development and exploration portfolio, whilst strengthening its cash and bullion position.”

Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)

The Monadelphous share price is up 8% to $33.09. Investors have been buying this diversified services company’s shares after it released its half-year results. Monadelphous reported a 52.6% increase in net profit after tax to $64.9 million. The company’s managing director, Zoran Bebic, said: “Long-term demand in the resources and energy sectors is expected to continue, supported by an improved global economic growth outlook. Continued investment in new and existing operations in Western Australia’s iron ore sector is driving demand for both maintenance and construction services, with the energy sector to offer substantial prospects.”

The post Why Cedar Woods, Clearview, Emerald Resources, and Monadelphous shares are racing higher 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.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) shares have soared 9.82% higher on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the shares are trading at $1.90 each.

The latest uptick comes off the back of the company’s latest FY25 results, which it posted ahead of the ASX open this morning.

Despite today’s uplift, the shares are now trading 9.09% lower year to date. They’re also 21.87% below this time last year.

Just last month, the transport fuel supplier revealed a lift in fuel sales volumes and improved margins for the fourth quarter of 2025, despite a softer period for convenience sales.

Here’s what the company posted in its full-year results for 2025 this morning.

EBITDA picks up in the second half of FY25

For the 12-month period ending 31st December 2025, Viva Energy posted a 6.4% decline in its EBITDA (replacement cost) to $700.9 million. 

Results were affected by weak performance in the first half of 2025 in both its Convenience & Mobility (C&M) and Energy & Infrastructure (E&I) business segments. 

Its Geelong Refinery was also impacted by a site-wide power outage in January and by lower output as a result of scheduled major maintenance activity, and commissioned the new Ultra Low Sulphur Gasoline (ULSG) plant in 2H FY25. 

However, the majority of the heavy lifting came in the second half of the year. Viva Energy noted that for the second half of FY25, its EBITDA of $396 million was 33% higher than the prior corresponding period, and up 30% on the first half. 

The company puts this down to improved operational performance and stronger market conditions.

The business also confirmed it has completed the full acquisition of Liberty Convenience and opened 35 new OTR stores (including conversions). It also implemented Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to integrate its various retail businesses and exit the Coles transitional services arrangements. 

“The scale of this work has been significant and has materially strengthened the Group’s retail operating platform,” Viva Energy CEO and Managing Director, Scott Wyatt, said. 

Record results in some segments

Viva Energy’s C&I segment reported its highest-ever sales volumes, which helped support the segment’s $460 million FY25 EBITDA. It also extended its track record of consistent and reliable earnings.

The company also noted a strong earnings result from its C&M segment in the second half of FY25. It said its C&M earnings in H1 FY25 were supported by strengthening fuel margins, acquisition synergies, and realised cost savings.

And a dividend payout confirmed

The board agreed to pay a fully-franked final dividend of 3.94 cents per share. This takes total FY25 dividends to 6.77 cents per share. The record date is 13 March 2026, with a payment date of 31 March 2026. 

Viva Energy said its dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) remains active to support funding for future growth and attract retail shareholders. Eligible shareholders can reinvest their dividends directly into shares at a 1.5% discount.

What’s next for Viva Energy and its shares?

The company said that FY26 represents the final year of retail integration. It plans to open another 40 to 60 new OTR stores (including conversions). These are expected to support improving sales, margins, and earnings momentum through FY26 and beyond. 

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $3.20 target price on Viva Energy shares. This implies a huge potential 68.42% upside for Viva Energy shares at the time of writing.

The post Here’s why Viva Energy shares are flying 10% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Viva Energy Group FY25 earnings: Higher second-half profit and dividend declared
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market as oil and uranium prices spike
• Viva Energy shares: 4Q25 sales volumes rise, margins improve

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 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.

It’s been an interesting day on the ASX boards so far this Tuesday. Investors were initially optimistic when the markets opened this morning, sending the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) up 0.3% at one point. But as the day has progressed, investors have lost that sense of optimism for ASX 200 stocks.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is currently down 0.2% at just over 9,000 points.

Despite this haphazard performance, though, we have seen a number of ASX 200 stocks hit new 52-week highs today.

We’ve already covered the fresh record high that BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are enjoying. But BHP is not the only ASX 200 stock breaking new ground this Tuesday.

These ASX 200 stocks just hit new 52-week highs

First up, let’s talk about Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS). This ASX 200 energy stock is enjoying a strong 1.11% bounce at present at $27.40 a share. That’s after Woodside hit a new 52-week high of $27.66 earlier this morning.

It seems we have Woodside’s latest earnings to thank for this new high. As we went through earlier this session, Woodside reported record energy production as well as lower costs.

Despite slight declines in revenue and profit, the company still increased its final dividend to 57 US cents per share, up 11% from 53 US cents last year.

Woodside’s high today was also likely boosted by an overnight increase in energy prices, with Brent crude now back over US$70 a barrel.

But it’s not just Woodside hitting a new 52-week high this Tuesday. We’ve also seen new highs from a bevvy of ASX 200 gold stocks.

Gold stocks bounce back

These include Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), and Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX).

Northern Star clocked a new 52-week (and all-time record) high of $30.93 soon after market open this morning. It’s a similar story with Evolution and Westgold. Evolution reset its own record, hitting $16.39 a share, while Westgold raced to $7.93 a share, a new record.

It’s not hard to see a pattern here. Gold itself has continued to push higher today. After dipping below US$5,000 an ounce earlier this month, the yellow metal looks to be gearing up to have a crack at its own record high. It’s back above US$5,000 at about US$5,177 an ounce at the time of writing after hitting US$5,237 a few hours ago.

Clearly, this recovery in the gold markets has renewed investors’ appetites for ASX 200 gold stocks.

The post Woodside and these ASX 200 stocks just hit new 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Gold price reverses course after 4-day run
• Which ASX 200 mining share chair of the board just sold $51 million worth of stock?
• Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Woodside dividend
• Big ASX news: BHP shares hit new $55 record high
• Buy, hold, or sell? 3 ASX 200 shares at record highs

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.