Why is everyone talking about Sandfire, Bendigo Bank, and DroneShield shares on Thursday?

Bendigo Bank, Sandfire, and DroneShield shares are grabbing ASX investor interest today. But why?

| 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

Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN), and DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares are catching plenty of investor interest today.

In late morning trade on Thursday, two of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are outpacing the 0.1% losses posted by the benchmark index, while the other is trailing behind.

Here's what's happening.

A smiling young surf life saver at the beach shouts out on a megaphone.

Image source: Getty Images

DroneShield shares lift on growth outlook

DroneShield shares are outperforming today. Shares in the ASX 200 drone defence company are up 1.2% at the time of writing, trading for $3.49 apiece.

The stock is grabbing headlines again today following a market update highlighting the immense growth potential of its defence-oriented business model.

Indeed, the company estimates that the global counter-drone market is worth some US$60 billion, with both national defence and civilian customers seeking to secure potentially vulnerable assets.

Today's update follows yesterday's news that CEO Oleg Vornik was exiting the top role after more than 10 years at the helm. Angus Bean, who's been working as chief product officer, has stepped in as the new CEO.

DroneShield shares closed down 13.5% on Wednesday following the leadership shakeup, but remain up a whopping 315% since this time last year.

Sandfire shares sink amid weather woes

Unlike DroneShield shares, Sandfire Resources shares are taking a tumble today following the release of the miner's March-quarter results.

Shares in the ASX 200 copper miner are down 4.1% at the time of writing, trading for $17.39 each.

Sandfire reported copper equivalent (CuEq) production of 34,500 tonnes for the three months. The miner had a net cash balance of $76 million as at 31 March.

But Sandfire shares look to be under pressure, with the company citing persistent high rainfall and unplanned maintenance as likely seeing its full-year CuEq production come in towards the lower half of its guidance range of 149,000 to 165,000 tonnes.

Sandfire shares remain up 114% over 12 months.

Which brings us to the third ASX 200 stock grabbing headlines today.

Bendigo Bank shares rocket on earnings boost

Bendigo Bank shares are outperforming the benchmark and DroneShield shares today, following the release of the challenger bank's March-quarter trading update (Q3 FY 2026).

Bendigo Bank shares are up 8.3% at the time of writing, changing hands for $11.33 apiece.

Investors are bidding up the ASX 200 bank stock with Bendigo reporting unaudited cash earnings of $137.9 million for the quarter. That's up 7.6% from the quarterly average achieved in the first half of FY 2026.

On the bottom line, the bank reported a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $109.4 million.

Bendigo Bank shares are up 14% in 12 months.

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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield and is short shares of DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

Will the market start the week positively? Let's find out.

Read more »

A woman smiles over the top of multiple shopping bags she is holding in both hands up near her face.
Share Market News

Why did ASX 200 retail shares lead the market last week?

Consumer discretionary shares outperformed during a volatile trading week, rising 4.38%.

Read more »

A happy team of businesspeople stand in a corporate office.
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 »

Happy couple doing online shopping.
Opinions

Down 17%: Why I'd buy and hold Wesfarmers shares

Bunnings remains the key asset, but I think Wesfarmers has more than one way to create value over time.

Read more »

Opinions

2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

I’m backing these investments to deliver big returns!

Read more »

Flying Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.
Share Market News

Here's the dividend forecast out to 2028 for Fortescue shares

How big could the miner’s dividends be in the next few years?

Read more »

Business man marking buy on board and underlining it.
Broker Notes

10 ASX shares given buy ratings this week

Let's see which shares brokers are tipping as buys for Aussie investors this week.

Read more »

Gas share price represented by a rising share price chart.
Share Market News

2 brokers have tipped this ASX energy stock to jump by more than 60%

A big gas deal has bolstered this company's fortunes.

Read more »