In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week with a gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.45% to 8,913.9 points.
Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are ending the week with a bang:
Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD)
The Ampol share price is up 8% to $29.15. This may have been driven by a note out of Ord Minnett this morning. In response to news that the fuel retailer is looking to acquire EG Australia for $1.1 billion, its analysts have retained their buy rating with an improved price target of $36.60. It believes the acquisition would be a smart move and boost its retail earnings.
Baby Bunting Group Ltd (ASX: BBN)
The Baby Bunting share price is up 29% to $2.38. Investors have been buying this baby products retailer's shares following the release of its full year results. Baby Bunting reported a 4.7% increase in total sales to a record of $521.9 million. Things were even better on the bottom line, with pro forma net profit after tax rocketing 228% to $12.1 million. This was at the upper end of its guidance range. Management is guiding to further strong growth in FY 2026, with pro forma net profit after expected to be $17 million to $20 million.
Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)
The Origin Energy share price is up 3% to $12.94. This morning, the team at Citi responded to the energy company's full year results by retaining its buy rating and $13.00 price target on its shares. It was relatively pleased with its results and believes they were largely in line with expectations. Macquarie is less positive and has put a neutral rating and $11.34 price target on its shares. It said: "Maintain Neutral. ORG looks to be pricing much of the Kraken IPO into the share price already. Core assets like EM market and APLNG valuation outlook appears flat."
South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)
The South32 share price is up 2% to $2.96. This morning, Macquarie retained its outperform rating on this mining giant's shares with a trimmed price target of $3.20. This follows news that its Mozal aluminium operation is set to go into care and maintenance next year after failing to secure a suitable energy supply.
