Why Megaport, Northern Star and Zip shares are turning heads on Thursday

Northern Star, Megaport, and Zip shares are making waves 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

Shares of Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) are creating a buzz today.

In late morning trade on Thursday, two of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) heavyweights are racing ahead of the 0.4% gains posted by the benchmark index, while one has just tumbled deep into the red.

Here's what's piquing investor interest.

An old-fashioned news boy stands on a stool and yells through a microphone in an open field.

Image source: Getty Images

Zip shares rocket on record earnings

Zip shares are off to the races today, up 14% at $2.94 apiece.

This strong performance follows the release of the ASX 200 buy now, pay later (BNPL) stock's full-year FY 2026 results.

Among the highlights, Zip grew its active customers by 3.7% year-on-year to 6.5 million. And the company's total transaction volume (TTV) of $16.7 billion was up 27.2%.

This helped drive a 24.7% increase in revenue to $1.34 billion, with Zip's operating margin improving by 4.2% from FY 2025 to 20%.

Also helping lift Zip shares today, the company achieved record cash earnings before taxes depreciation and amortisation (EBTDA) of $268.9 million, up 57.9% from last year.

And on the bottom line, Zip's net profit after tax (NPAT) surged 45.7% to $116.4 million.

Looking ahead, the ASX 200 BNPL stock is targeting cash EBTDA growth of 26% to $340 million in FY 2027. Zip is aiming for an operating margin in the range of 20% to 22%.

Northern Star shares leap on record profits

Like Zip shares, Northern Star shares are charging higher today.

At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 gold stock are changing hands for $24.15 each, up 7.1%.

Northern Star also reported its FY 2026 results today. And investors are clearly impressed.

Highlights from the financial year just past included a 19% year-on-year increase in revenue to $7.6 billion. The revenue boost was supported by a 26% higher average realised gold price.

On the earnings front, Northern Star reported underlying EBITDA of $4.27 billion, up 22% from FY 2025.

And on the bottom line, the ASX 200 gold miner achieved a record NPAT of $1.7 billion, up 24% year on year.

For passive income investors, management declared a fully-franked final dividend of 30 cents per share, in line with last year's final payout.

Which brings us to…

Megaport shares fall on $39 million net loss

Joining Northern Star and Zip shares in turning heads today, and releasing its FY 2026 results, we find Megaport.

Shares in the ASX 200 network services company kicked off the day in positive territory but have since tumbled into the red, down 4% at $19.52 apiece.

With Megaport shares having closed yesterday up some 79% in 2026, investor expectations are clearly high.

On the positive side of the ledger, Megaport achieved a 37% year-on-year increase in revenue to $312 million. And EBITDA increased by 24% from FY 2025 to $77 million.

But Megaport shares look to have come under pressure, with the ASX 200 tech stock reporting a statutory net loss of $39 million, which compares unfavourably to the net loss of $300,000 reported last year.

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 Megaport. 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

man thinking about whether to invest in bitcoin
ASX Share Market News

Santos, Ramsay Health Care, and AMP shares reach new 52-week highs: Can they keep climbing?

Find out whether these ASX shares are a buy, sell, or hold now.

Read more »

A man jumps over a river, bouncing from one rock to another.
ASX Share Market News

The ASX 200 is finally rising. Is the sell-off running out of steam?

After weeks of selling, buyers are finally pushing back.

Read more »

Two businessmen shake hands behind a window.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Reliance shares surge to a 52-week high on $4.1 billion takeover deal

Reliance shares are back in focus after another takeover development.

Read more »

A distressed young woman reads bad news on her smartphone while standing in a modern indoor setting.
52-Week Lows

Down 40%: Why I'd buy this ASX 200 share before sentiment improves

I look at why the latest AI developments have not changed my positive view of this ASX share.

Read more »

A woman holds a soldering tool as she sits in front of a computer screen while working on the manufacturing of technology equipment in a laboratory environment.
Broker Notes

Netwealth shares could be set to rise 60% in the next 12 months – Expert

This could be a value play after key acquisition.

Read more »

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
ASX Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Will the market rebound from yesterday's weakness? Let's find out.

Read more »

I young woman takes a bite out of a burrito n the street outside a Mexican fast-food establishment.
Broker Notes

Up 67%! Is it too late to buy the rally in Guzman Y Gomez shares now?

A leading expert delivers his verdict on the surging Guzman Y Gomez share price.

Read more »

Time to sell written on a clock.
Broker Notes

Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Woolworths and CBA shares

A leading expert believes investors would do well to exit their Woolworths and CBA share holdings. But why?

Read more »