Guzman Y Gomez (ASX: GYG), Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), and James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) shares are making waves today.
Two of the big name ASX shares are outpacing the 0.2% losses posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in late morning trade on Friday, while one is charging higher.
Here's what's grabbing investor interest.
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James Hardie shares lift on $1.4 billion asset sale
James Hardie shares are in the green today, up 0.6% at $43.05 apiece.
Investors are responding positively after the ASX 200 building materials company announced that it is divesting its European operations.
The company will sell its Fermacell business to Holcim for €840 million (AU$1.38 billion). James Hardie also intends to close its European fibre cement operations.
The ASX 200 stock will use the proceeds to pay down some $600 million in debt as well as funding a new $250 million share buyback. The company expects the deal to close in the first half of calendar 2027.
Commenting on the sale helping lift James Hardie shares today, CEO Aaron Erter said:
We believe this divestiture will strengthen our balance sheet, deliver compelling value for our shareholders and position the Fermacell business for long-term success under Holcim's ownership.
Guzman Y Gomez shares jump on earnings surge
Like James Hardie shares, Guzman Y Gomez shares are outperforming today.
And strongly.
At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 Mexican fast-food restaurant chain are up 8%, changing hands for $25.89 each.
This follows the release of Guzman Y Gomez's full-year FY 2026 results.
Investors look to be supporting the stock, with GYG now having completed its painful exit from its US operations and eying growth in its core Aussie markets.
While GYG achieved a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) increase of 31.6% from FY 2025 to $40.6 million, the company reported a statutory group NPAT loss of $26.7 million due to its US exit.
In other core financial metrics, Guzman Y Gomez shares are likely attracting attention, with the company reporting a 28.7% year-on-year increase in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $85 million.
Management also announced an additional $100 million share buyback.
Which brings us to…
Pro Medicus shares slide despite new contract win
Joining Guzman Y Gomez and James Hardie shares in turning heads today, we find Pro Medicus.
At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 health imaging company are down 3.1%, trading for $199.71 apiece.
Pro Medicus shares are sliding despite the company announcing a new $25 million, seven-year contract with United States-based healthcare provider Valley Health. The contract covers the full range of Pro Medicus' cloud-based medical imaging solutions.
