2 ASX 300 tech shares making huge moves on earnings updates

The market has responded very differently to these results.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

There have been some big moves on the ASX 300 index on Wednesday following the release of results.

Two ASX 300 tech shares which are heading in very different directions are listed below. Here's what they reported:

Male IT engineer shrugs his shoulders as he tries to understand network.

Image source: Getty Images

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

The Codan share price is up 10% to $9.30. This follows the release of the electronic products company's half-year results.

The ASX 300 tech share reported a 26% increase in group revenue to $265.9 million and a 24% lift in net profit after tax to $38.1 million.

This was driven by strong growth across its Communications and Metal detection businesses. Communications revenues increased 12.5% to $153.6 million whereas Metal detection revenues were up 49% on the prior corresponding period.

And with its Communications order book sitting pretty at $183 million (+12% versus 30 June), the second half is looking promising.

Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE)

The Iress share price is heading the other way and was down as much as 11% to $7.75 at one stage.

The financial technology company's shares have recovered somewhat since then but remain down 6% at the time of writing.

Investors were selling the ASX 300 tech share following the release of its full year results for FY 2023. The company reported a 2% increase in operating revenue to $625.7 million but a 12% decline in underlying EBITDA to $128.3 million.

One positive is that the company's underlying EBITDA margin improved during the second half. It went from 18.9% in the first to 22.2% in the second. This sets up the company nicely going into FY 2024.

In fact, management advised that its exit run-rate implies underlying EBITDA of $160 million to $180 million in FY 2024. This would be an increase of 24.8% to 40% on FY 2023's result.

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.

More on ASX Share Market News

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

Woman with her kitten on a laptop in her home office.
ASX Share Market News

ASX 200 utilities shares gained 7% while the broader market fell heavily last week

Utilities outperformed, rising 7%, while the benchmark index fell heavily last week.

Read more »

Man and woman sitting at table with the man looking a bit puzzled at his laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a tough end to a rough week for investors.

Read more »

Group of people toasting with wine
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Transurban, Orora, Treasury Wine Estates shares

Here's what top broker Morgans thinks of these 3 ASX 200 shares following their FY26 reports.

Read more »

Businessman studying a high technology holographic stock market chart.
Broker Notes

8 ASX 200 shares with fresh buy ratings this week

Brokers retained a positive view on Westpac, Sonic Healthcare, Minerals 260, and other shares.

Read more »

a group of rockclimbers attached to each other with a rope hang precariously from a steep cliff face with the bottom two climbers not touch the rockface but dangling in midair held only by the rope.
ASX Share Market News

Why DroneShield, Life360 and SGH shares are crashing lower this week

Investors sent Life360, SGH, and DroneShield shares tumbling this week. But why?

Read more »

Woman working on her laptop at a café.
Broker Notes

7 ASX 200 shares downgraded by the experts this week

Brokers reduced their ratings on IAG, Seek, Woolworths, and other ASX 200 stocks.

Read more »

Three trophies in declining sizes with a red curtain backdrop.
ASX Share Market News

3 ASX 200 stocks leaping higher in this week's slumping market on big news

Investors sent these three ASX 200 stocks flying higher in this week’s falling market. But why?

Read more »