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

Close-up photo of a human hand with $100 bills offering the money to another human hand.
Capital Raising

Why this ASX energy stock just crashed 17% after a blockbuster year

A major capital raise sends Tamboran shares down 17%.

Read more »

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, or sell? Bubs, Soul Patts, and Endeavour shares

Experts have reviewed their ratings on these ASX shares.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Broker Notes

3 ASX shares tipped to grow 100% or more in the next 12 months

These stocks across three sectors could be deeply undervalued, analysts say.

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Capstone Copper shares today

A leading analyst expects more outperformance from Capstone Copper’s surging shares. But why?

Read more »

Man with a hand on his head looks at a red stock market chart showing a falling share price.
52-Week Lows

Which of these ASX stocks near 52-week lows is worth buying?

Is there any value for these beaten-down shares?

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Broker Notes

What is this broker's view on Magellan Financial Group after yesterday's disappointing results

Where to next for this funds manager?

Read more »

A woman is excited as she reads the latest rumour on her phone.
Broker Notes

This ASX industrials stock could be set to double according to one broker

This ASX small-cap could be one to keep an eye on.

Read more »

Shot of a young scientist looking stressed out while working on a computer in a lab.
Broker Notes

What's Bell Potter's updated view on CSL shares?

Will the new tariffs impact CSL according to Bell Potter?

Read more »