Why Collins Foods, Monash IVF, Premier Investments, and Step One shares are tumbling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Key points
  • As the S&P/ASX 200 Index edges downward, Collins Foods drops over 3% as the stock trades ex-dividend, following the announcement of its fully franked interim dividend set for early January.
  • Monash IVF slips 2.5% after a Macquarie downgrade to neutral, signalling the stock has reached fair value despite optimism about demographic shifts and an improving macro environment.
  • Premier Investments falls 13% after revealing a dip in expected first-half earnings, and Step One Clothing sinks almost 12%, hit hard by dismal sales expectations and challenges in clearing legacy stock.

In afternoon trade on Friday, 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 slightly to 8,615.2 points.

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

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.

Image source: Getty Images

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

The Collins Foods share price is down over 3% to $10.22. This has been driven by the quick service restaurant operator's shares going ex-dividend this morning. Earlier this week, the company released its half year results and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 13 cents per share. This dividend will be paid to eligible shareholders early next month on 5 January

Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF)

The Monash IVF share price is down 2.5% to 84.2 cents. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Macquarie this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the fertility treatment company's shares to a neutral rating with a 94 cents price target. It said: "We move our recommendation to Neutral, from Outperform. While we continue to expect medium-term upside on an improving macro environment, increased genetic testing, underlying structural demands, demographic and social changes, we think the share price is approaching fair value. Prior research."

Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV)

The Premier Investments share price is down 13% to $15.72. Investors have been selling this retailer's shares following the release of a trading update at its annual general meeting. The Peter Alexander and Smiggle owner revealed that Premier Retail first half underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) is expected to be around $120 million. This is down 7.3% on the prior corresponding period.

Step One Clothing Ltd (ASX: STP)

The Step One share price is down almost 12% to 26.5 cents. This online underwear seller's shares have been sold off this week after it announced dismal sales results for the first half of FY 2026. Step One advised that it expects half year revenue to be in the range of $30 million and $33 million. This represents a decline of between 31% to 37% on the prior corresponding period. Things will be even worse for its EBITDA, which is expected to be a loss of between $9 million and $11 million. This is down from a profit of $11.3 million a year ago and includes a $10 million obsolescence provision against legacy stock that it has been unable to shift.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Collins Foods. 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 Australia has recommended Collins Foods and Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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