Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN) shares closed on Thursday trading for $2.30.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) airline stock, and chief competitor to Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN), have struggled in 2026.

Indeed, at Thursday's close, Virgin Australia shares are now down 34% year to date. That trails the 18% losses posted by Qantas shares this calendar year, and is well behind the 1.55% loss on the ASX 200.

The stock is also now trading below its initial public offering (IPO), with investors who bought on the first day of trading nursing even steeper losses.

Investors able to take part in Virgin Australia's IPO picked up shares for $2.90 apiece. The ASX 300 airline stock began trading on the ASX on 24 June. Shares opened on the day at $3.12 and closed trading for $3.23 each.

A lot of the losses in 2026 were delivered in March following the onset of the Iran war. With fuel prices surging and some travel routes facing potential disruptions, Virgin Australia stock plunged 23.6% in the month just past.

So, with shares having lost almost a third of their value in 2026, is it time to buy the dip?

Should you buy Virgin Australia shares today?

Catapult Wealth's Blake Halligan recently analysed the outlook for the ASX 300 airline stock (courtesy of The Bull).

"The Australian airline delivered a strong result in the first half of fiscal year 2026, with underlying earnings before interest and tax increasing by 11.7% to $490 million," Halligan said. "Revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) was up 6.4%."

He added:

The group's transformation program delivered more than $200 million in gross benefits. The company has now exhausted tax losses and will begin paying tax, with franking credits at $94 million.

But with the company facing potentially increasing costs, Halligan isn't ready to pull the trigger yet, with a hold recommendation on Virgin Australia shares.

He concluded, "While demand and yields remain supportive, rising expenses suggest a balanced hold stance."

What's the latest from the ASX 300 airline stock?

Virgin Australia reported its half-year results on 27 February.

Highlights included a 9.3% year-on-year increase in revenue for the six months to $3.32 billion.

But Virgin Australia shares came under some pressure, closing down 0.3% on the day, with statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) of $341 million, down 27.9%, primarily due to prior period tax benefits.

Commenting on the company's performance on the day, Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said:

The group's continued strong performance clearly demonstrates that our constant focus on transformation and innovation is not only delivering strong financial outcomes but strengthens our ability to remain a robust competitor for years to come.

The post Down 34% in 2026, are Virgin Australia shares a good buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Virgin Australia shares fly 13% higher: Is this the start of the rebound we've all been waiting for?
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• Virgin Australia shares slide again as global turmoil rattles key partnership
• Why Regis Resources, Strike Energy, Telix, and Virgin Australia shares are falling today

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have long been popular with passive income investors for the bank's reliable, twice yearly dividend payouts.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock even paid two fully franked dividends in the pandemic addled year of 2020.

Looking at the last two payouts, CBA paid a final dividend of $2.60 a share on 29 September. And the big four bank just paid its interim dividend of $2.35 a share on 30 March.

Atop those fully franked dividends, CBA shares have also gained 11.5% in 12 months, outperforming the 8.3% one-year gains posted by the ASX 200.

But with the CommBank share price now having more than doubled over five years, closing at $172.82 on Thursday, is Australia's biggest bank still a good passive income play?

Should you buy CBA shares for passive income?

Sanlam Private Wealth's Remo Greco recently ran his slide rule over the ASX bank stock (courtesy of The Bull).

"The bank is a quality company and a staple in investor portfolios," he said. "It has established a strong track record of performance over many years."

As for the passive income potential, Greco said:

The company delivered a 5% increase in statutory net profit after tax in the first half of fiscal year 2026. However, the dividend yield was trading below 3% on March 26, so better income is available elsewhere.

Indeed, at Thursday's closing price CBA shares trade on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 2.9%.

That's significantly less than passive income investors were banking from the stock a few years ago.

For example, three years ago, on 31 March 2023, you could have bought CBA stock for $98.32 a share. And with an eye on the $4.20 a share in fully franked dividends the bank paid out over the prior 12 months, it was then trading on a trailing dividend yield of 4.3%.

Connecting the dots, Greco issued a sell recommendation on the big four bank.

He concluded:

The conflict in Iran suggests a possibly slowing global economy likely to impact credit growth in Australia's higher interest rate environment. CBA is trading at a premium to peers, so it may be time to consider reducing exposure in this volatile environment.

What kind of a premium does CommBank stock command?

CBA shares trade on a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of around 28 times.

As for the other big four Aussie banks: Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) trades on a P/E ratio of around 20 times; ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) trades on a P/E ratio of around 19 times; and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) trades on a P/E ratio of around 19 times.

The post Are CBA shares still a good buy for passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 2 ASX 200 shares to buy ahead of anticipated rally: expert
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• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, CBA, and Pro Medicus shares

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) looked like it was set to end the shortened holiday trading week on a positive note.

Just before noon today, the benchmark Aussie index was up a solid 0.6%.

But if you were watching the charts, you'll know things turned sharply south from there.

At the time of writing in early afternoon trade on Thursday, the ASX 200 stands at 8,594 points, down 0.9% for the day and down 1.4% in just 90 minutes.

Here's what's got investors spooked in mid-day trade today.

ASX 200 dives on renewed Iran war fears

The ASX 200 closed up 0.3% on Tuesday and gained an impressive 2.2% on Wednesday after United States President Donald Trump indicated that the war in Iran should be winding down in the next two to three weeks.

As you're likely aware, the war in the oil-rich Middle East has roiled global markets and sent oil prices surging almost 50% in March. It also saw the benchmark index slump 7.8% in the month just past.

While investors might have Trump to thank for this week's earlier gains, we can also point the finger of blame at the US president for today's steep intraday decline.

As many Aussies were sitting down to lunch today, Trump issued a decidedly hawkish speech outlining the ongoing conflict.

Parts of his speech were in line with his earlier remarks that the war is approaching its conclusion. He noted that America's "core strategic objectives are nearing completion."

"We are going to finish the job, and we're going to finish it very fast. We're getting very close," he said.

But the ASX 200 tumbled alongside futures on the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) and the Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC), with Trump adding, "over the next two to three weeks, we're going to bring them back to the stone ages where they belong".

Trump said if the Iranian regime doesn't reach a deal he finds acceptable, the US will proceed to destroy all of Iran's power plants.

Commenting on investors' negative reaction to Trump's speech, Rodrigo Catril, a currency strategist at National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), said (quoted by Bloomberg):

The market is seemingly focusing on the idea that the war has not ended, the US is looking for escalation and hoping that will force Iran to make a deal.

Oil price spikes

On the heels of Trump's speech, the Brent crude oil price spiked 4.1% to US$105.34 per barrel.

That's clearly seeing ASX 200 investors reevaluate the inflation outlook as well as the potential for further interest rate increases from the RBA and other leading central banks.

That picture has put gold stocks under pressure, as gold tends to perform better in low or falling rate environments.

Indeed, the Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is down 3.2% since noon.

And, as you might expect, following on Trump's speech and the resulting oil price spike, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares surged 5.1% in intraday trading.

The post Why did the ASX 200 just plunge 1.4% in Thursday afternoon trade? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 7.8% in March, with two of the big three ASX 200 mining shares outperforming that loss and one falling harder.

All three of the Aussie miners lost ground in the month just past. That came despite a 6% increase in the iron ore price, with the industrial metal ending the month at US$106 per tonne. Copper prices went the other way, however, falling 8% to end March trading for US$12,225 per tonne, according to data from Bloomberg.

Investors will also have been eyeing the impacts from the Iran war. Atop guaranteed higher upcoming fuel costs for the ASX 200 mining shares, they could also potentially be facing diesel supply shortages, which could impact their operations in the months ahead.

Now, as we'll look at below, the three Aussie miners all traded ex-dividend over the month. We'll need to take those passive income payments into account as they'll mitigate the share price declines.

So, how did the ASX 200 mining shares stack up?

I'm glad you asked!

How did the big three ASX 200 mining shares perform in March?

On 27 February, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares closed at $167.33. When the closing bell sounded on 31 March, shares were swapping hands for $161.43 apiece. This saw the Rio Tinto share price down 3.5% over the month.

Rio Tinto traded ex-dividend on 5 March. The miner will pay the (rounded) $3.60 a share fully-franked dividend on 16 April. If we add that back into the March closing price, then investors holding Rio Tinto shares over the month will have only lost 1.4%.

Turning to Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG), the miner closed out February trading for $21.14 a share and ended March trading for $20.31. This saw the Fortescue share price down 3.9% over the month just past.

Fortescue traded ex-dividend on 2 March. The ASX 200 mining share paid out its fully-franked 62 cents a share dividend on 30 March. Adding that back into the March closing price, and investors holding the stock over the month will have lost a lesser 1.0%.

Trailing the pack in March, we have Australia's biggest mining stock, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

BHP shares ended February trading for $58.41 and closed out March trading for $50.39 each. This put the ASX 200 mining share down 13.7%.

BHP traded ex-dividend on 5 March. BHP paid its (rounded) $1.04 a share fully-franked dividend on 26 March. But even after we add that back in, investors holding BHP shares over March will have lost 12.0%.

In March, investors also learned that Brandon Craig will take the reins as BHP's new CEO on 1 July.

The post Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here's how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) slumped 7.8% in March, with two of the big four ASX 200 bank stocks outperforming those losses and two falling even harder.

March was a difficult month for most stocks following the onset of the Iran war at the end of February.

The resulting conflict in the Middle East saw the Brent crude oil price spike 48% over the month just past, soaring from US$72.50 on 27 February to US$107.50 on 31 March, according to data from Bloomberg.

That's likely to push inflation significantly higher over the coming months, which in turn could pressure global central banks, including the Reserve Bank of Australia, into raising interest rates.

As you're likely aware, the RBA already has hiked the official cash rate twice this year. The second interest rate rise was delivered on 17 March, with the 0.25% lift taking the benchmark rate to 4.10%.

Higher interest rates have the potential to support ASX 200 bank stocks by enabling a larger net interest margin (NIM). But if higher rates and rising inflation lead to a broader economic downturn in Australia, the banks – among other headwinds – could get hit with a material increase in non-performing loans.

With that picture in mind…

ASX 200 bank stocks retreat in March

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) was the best performing big bank stock last month.

CBA shares closed out February trading for $174.62 and finished March at $167.70 each. That put the CBA share price down 4.0% in March, significantly outperforming the 7.8% loss posted by the benchmark index.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares also outperformed the benchmark.

Barely.

Shares in the ASX 200 bank stock closed on 27 February trading for $42.54. When the closing bell sounded on 31 March, shares were changing hands for $39.47 apiece. This saw Westpac shares down 7.2% over the month.

That was a better performance than we saw from ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

ANZ shares ended February at $40.04 and closed out March trading for $35.97. The 10.2% decline in ANZ shares over the month underperformed the benchmark.

Which brings us to March's laggard, National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

NAB shares closed out February trading for $49.02. On 31 March, shares ended the day changing hands for $41.44. That saw the NAB share price down 15.5% over the month, or almost twice the losses posted by the benchmark index.

Taking a step back

While March saw the big four ASX 200 bank stocks take a tumble, investors who bought any of the banks a year ago will still be sitting on some benchmark beating gains.

Here's how they've performed (as at time of writing today) over the past 12 months, not including dividends:

• NAB shares are up 21.6%
• CBA shares are up 11.0%
• Westpac shares are up 25.6%
• ANZ shares are up 22.6%

The post What happened with ASX 200 bank stocks like CBA and Westpac in March? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock closed yesterday trading for $22.10. In early morning trade on Thursday, shares are swapping hands for $22.86 apiece, up 3.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time.

While shares in the Aussie gold mining giant remain down 6.5% in 2026, the Northern Star share price has now surged 32.8% since the recent closing lows on 23 February.

Here's what's grabbing investor interest today.

Northern Star share price jumps on buyback news

The ASX 200 gold stock released two price-sensitive updates before market open this morning.

Turning to the one that's likely giving the Northern Star share price the biggest boost today first, the miner announced plans to undertake an on-market share buyback of up to $500 million.

When a company repurchases its own shares, it leaves fewer for sale on the market, which tends to increase the value of its remaining shares.

Management expects the buyback to start around 23 April, with an aim to complete it within 12 months.

Commenting on the buyback, Northern Star managing director Stuart Tonkin said:

Today's announcement reflects our confidence in the strength of our business, the structural uplift in cash generation expected from the commissioning of the KCGM Mill Expansion and the compelling value we see in our share price.

The on-market buy-back, representing up to 1.6% of issued share capital, is an efficient way to return capital to shareholders while also being immediately earnings and value accretive. We believe current share prices do not fully reflect the quality and future potential of our assets.

Northern Star noted that the buyback is subject to prevailing share price and market conditions, with no guarantee that any shares will be repurchased. The buyback does not require shareholder approval.

What else did the ASX 200 gold stock report?

In a separate update this morning that could also be offering support to the Northern Star share price, the miner reported that it's on track to meet its revised full-year FY 2026 guidance of at least 1.5 million ounces of gold.

Over the March quarter, the company sold 381,000 ounces of gold. That brought its year-to-date gold sold for the nine months to 1.11 million ounces.

With the Iran war crimping global fuel supplies, the miner noted that while it is not currently experiencing any diesel supply issues, this remains a key risk for the broader mining industry in Australia.

Despite the sharp sell-down in the first three weeks following the outbreak of the war, Northern Star stock is up 26.5% over 12 months, not including dividends.

The post Up 33% in 2 weeks, Northern Star share price surging again today on $500 million news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) shares have been strong performers so far in 2026.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) healthcare stock closed on Wednesday trading for $38.90 apiece.

That sees the share price up 13.2% since market close on 31 December, which compares very favourably to the 0.8% loss posted by the benchmark index over this same period.

Atop those share price gains, the ASX 200 healthcare stock also pays dividends. Over the past 12 months, Ramsay Health Care has paid out 82.5 cents a share in fully franked dividends.

At Wednesday's closing price, that sees the stock trading on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 2.1%.

And looking to the months ahead, Sanlam Private Wealth's Remo Greco believes the private hospital and care centre operator is well-positioned to keep outperforming (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Ramsay Health Care shares today?

"The private hospital operator posted a better than expected first half year result for fiscal year 2026," Greco said, citing the first reason he has a buy recommendation on Ramsay Health Care shares.

"Revenue of $9.3 billion from contracts with customers was up 9.7% on the prior corresponding period. Underlying net profit after tax of $171.7 million was up 8.1%," he noted.

Ramsay Health Care CEO and managing director Natalie Davis was clearly pleased with those results, released on 26 February.

"Ramsay's positive momentum has continued in the first half of FY26, with revenue, EBIT and NPAT growth as we execute on our three core priorities to improve performance and returns to shareholders," Davis said on the day.

Moving on to the second reason Greco is bullish on the stock is the company's decision to divest its 52.79% shareholding in European private health care provider Ramsay Santé.

"RHC is spinning off its European business, which we believe paints a brighter outlook," Greco said.

Commenting on the rationale for the divestment in February, Ramsay Health Care stated:

The proposal to separate recognises the fundamentally different geographic focus, strategies and capital profiles of Ramsay and Ramsay Santé. The board believes that a separation would enhance shareholder value over time.

Among the potential benefits, the board noted the separation will enable Ramsay to simplify its portfolio and allow management to focus on "the transformation and growth potential of its core Australian hospitals business".

Which brings us to the third reason you might want to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today.

Namely, the company's growing passive income potential.

"The fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents was up 6.3% and potentially points to a stronger final dividend for the full year," Greco concluded.

The post 3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares got hammered in March.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline stock closed out February trading for $9.95. When the opening bell sounded on 31 March, shares were swapping hands for $8.37 apiece.

This saw Qantas shares down 15.9% over the month just past, or more than twice as much as the 7.8% loss posted by the ASX 200 over this same period.

Though it's worth noting that Qantas traded ex-dividend on 10 March. Investors who owned the stock at market close on 9 March can expect to receive the 100% franked 19.8 cent per share dividend on 15 April.

If we add that dividend payment back in, then the ASX 200 airline stock sank a modestly less 13.9% in March.

Here's what's been pressuring the flying kangaroo.

What sent Qantas shares into a tailspin?

Turning directly to the elephant in the room, the biggest tailwind pressuring Qantas shares last month was the outbreak of the Iran war at the end of February.

That's causing two separate difficulties for the airline.

First, the Middle East conflict could disrupt international travel destinations and see travellers delay their business or holiday flights.

Second, the conflict in the oil-rich Middle East and the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route sent the oil price rocketing in March.

Here's what I mean.

On 27 February, Brent crude oil was trading for US$72.50 per barrel. By 31 March, a barrel of Brent crude oil was trading for US$107.50, up more than 48% over the month.

And any sustained major increase in the oil price could have a material impact on Qantas shares.

Indeed, on 26 February, Qantas forecast fuel costs for H2 FY 2026 would be around $2.5 billion, inclusive of hedging and carbon costs.

But with the Iran war sending global oil prices surging, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) analyst Ian Myles said Qantas' overall costs could increase by $250 million over two to three months.

And the ASX 200 airline's former chief economist, Tony Webber, said that if the Middle East conflict dragged on, it could see Qantas earnings fall by more than 50%.

According to Webber, a prolonged war could see some major changes in the company's flight operations. He noted:

They will cut capacity most on longer sectors where fuel costs are a higher percentage of total costs and where reducing capacity provides the strongest fare response, usually routes with more business and fewer leisure travellers.

Following the March carnage, Qantas shares are now down 4.3% since this time last year, not including dividends.

The post Why Qantas shares nosedived 16% in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) plunged 7.8% in March, but that didn't stop the DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) share price from posting another month of solid gains.

Shares in the ASX 200 drone defence company closed out February trading for $3.62. When the closing bell sounded on 31 March, shares were changing hands for $3.81 apiece.

This put the DroneShield share price up 5.3% over the month just past.

Here's what's been piquing investor interest.

DroneShield share price soars higher amid global conflicts

On the macro level, daily news feeds detailing the Iran conflict and the growing prevalence of drone warfare were hard to escape in March, and likely helped boost the DroneShield share price.

Russia's war in Ukraine is also seeing ongoing heavy drone use, while various nations around the world have been moving to protect their critical infrastructure from hostile drone attacks.

The ASX 200 defence stock also reported on a number of promising developments over the month.

On 11 March, DroneShield reported that it had commenced manufacturing its counter-drone products in the European Union in collaboration with an unnamed EU partner.

Pointing to the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 initiative, the company noted:

Under a new collaboration with an experienced and established manufacturer, production of European-made counter-UAS systems is now underway, with delivery scheduled for mid-2026…

As part of this collaboration, DroneShield has established and will continue to grow a primarily EU-based supply chain, making this the company's only production line currently outside of Australia.

DroneShield CEO Oleg Vornik said, "The ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030 initiative has highlighted the importance of localised, scalable production, and this new production line positions us to meet that demand."

The DroneShield share price closed up 1.5% on the day.

Building on its growing EU footprint, on 30 March the company announced that it had opened a new headquarters in Amsterdam.

Commenting on its new head office in the Dutch capital city, the company said:

It further builds on DroneShield's newly established European manufacturing footprint to advance sovereign counter-UAS capability, which marks a major expansion of the company's European industrial footprint and manufacturing capacity.

In calendar year 2025, the European market accounted for 45% of the company's total revenue.

And the turbulent global outlook for 2026 could help the DroneShield share price continue to outperform.

According to the ASX defence stock:

As of February 2026, DroneShield has a regional pipeline valued at $1.2 billion. Geopolitical pressures, such as the Iranian conflict, ongoing war in Ukraine and repeated Russian drone incursions, continue to drive demand for deployed counter-UAS solutions across Europe and the Middle East.

The post How the DroneShield share price smashed the benchmark in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dropped 7.8% in March, despite the best lifting efforts of most ASX 200 energy shares.

Indeed, from market close on 27 February through to the closing bell on 31 March, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) rocketed a jaw-dropping 18.5%.

Here's how these top Aussie oil and gas producers fared over the month just past:

• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares jumped 23.8%
• Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) shares gained 17.8%
• Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) shares gained 18.2%
• Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR) shares surged 32.9%

So, why were investors piling into the energy sector in March?

ASX 200 energy share leap on oil price surge

The massive outperformance for ASX 200 energy shares like Woodside and Karoon was driven by a surge in oil and gas prices following the US and Israeli attack on Iran.

On 27 February, Brent crude oil was trading for US$72.50 a barrel, according to data from Bloomberg. On 31 March that same barrel was fetching US$107.50, up more than 48% over the month.

That meteoric increase came as some 20% of the world's oil supply routes were upended by the war's essential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with gas supplies also hit by attacks on Middle East LNG plants.

Atop hoping for share price gains, investors also look to have been buying the ASX 200 energy shares with hopes that surging profits will see them declare supersized dividends later this year.

What else happened with the Aussie energy giants in March?

Beach Energy, Santos and Woodside were among the ASX 200 energy shares to release significant announcements in March.

On 9 March, Beach and Santos announced that they had taken a Final Investment Decision (FID) to proceed with their joint venture Moomba Central Optimisation  (MCO) project, located in South Australia.

Commenting on the decision, which saw Santos shares close up 2.4% on the day and Beach Energy shares gain 1.3%, Beach Energy CEO Brett Woods said:

The MCO project will unlock significant value from the Cooper Basin asset, driven by efficiencies gained from the rationalisation of existing satellite facilities into a new centralised compression facility, and supporting future production growth from the Central Fields.

March also saw Woodside reveal its new CEO, after former CEO Meg O'Neill stepped down in December following four years in the top role.

On 18 March, the ASX 200 energy share reported that Liz Westcott was taking over as CEO and Managing Director, effective immediately.

Westcott had been serving as acting CEO since O'Neill stepped down in December. Before that she served as Woodside's Executive Vice President and COO, Australia.

The post How ASX 200 energy shares like Santos, Beach and Woodside surged in March's sinking market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 1.7% in late morning trade today, with most ASX 200 tech stocks racing ahead of those gains.

Indeed, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) – which also contains some smaller tech companies outside of ASX 200 tech stocks – is up a blistering 3.0%.

Here's how these top Aussie tech companies are tracking at this same time:

• Shares in cloud-based software solutions provider WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) are up 2.6% trading for $39.01each
• Shares in software-as-a-service provider Technology One Ltd (ASX: TNE) are up 2.5% trading for $27.51 each
• Shares in data centre operator NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) are up 3.5% trading for $11.72 each
• Shares in location sharing software developer Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) are up 6.2% trading for $19.93 each
• Shares in accounting software provider Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) are up 2.2% trading for $76.80 each

So, after a tough run in 2026 that still sees all of the above stocks in the red year to date, why are investors piling into the Aussie tech space today?

ASX 200 tech stocks leap on peace hopes

ASX 200 techs stocks are following US stock markets higher today as investors eye a potential near-term end to the Iran war.

Overnight the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) closed up 2.9% while the tech heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) ended the day up a whopping 3.8%. AI chip making giant Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) helped boost the index, closing up 5.6%.

Investor hopes for peace in the Middle East were stirred after US President Donald Trump said his nation will complete its military campaign in Iran in the next two to three weeks. Trump said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz would then resolve itself.

With Iranian leaders also reported to be calling for a rapid end to the war, rather than a just a ceasefire, the Brent crude oil price declined 3.2% overnight to US$104 per barrel.

If energy prices continue to decline, that would ease the building inflationary pressure that threatens to unleash interest rate increases from central banks across the globe.

ASX 200 tech stocks, often priced with future earnings in mind, have proven to be highly sensitive to interest rate moves.

What are the experts saying?

Commenting on the big move higher the stock markets, FBB Capital Partners' Michael Bailey said (quoted by Bloomberg), "Markets have taken it on the chin for over a month and expectations may have hit a low enough point that any glimmer of hope is now much more valuable."

Bloomberg strategists cautioned that investors, including those bidding up ASX 200 tech stocks today, could be getting a bit ahead of themselves.

The strategists noted:

The euphoria on Tuesday around Iran signalling a willingness to end hostilities looks a touch premature. Much hinges on what Tehran defines as 'essential guarantees' – particularly if they mirror the conditions outlined in its response to the US ceasefire proposal, which could prove a high bar for Washington to meet.

Stay tuned!

The post Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like WiseTech and Life360 going gangbusters on Wednesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Life360, Nvidia, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia and Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 300 uranium stock Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) is surging higher today.

Lotus Resources shares closed yesterday trading for $1.275. In early morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $1.395 apiece, up 9.4%.

For some context, the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is up 1.7% at this same time amid renewed hopes that the Iran war could be winding down.

Now, here's what's happening with Lotus.

ASX uranium stock lifts off on enrichment agreement

The Lotus Resources share price is leaping higher after the company announced that Orano Chimie-Enrichissement has confirmed that it will accept the uranium ore concentrate from Lotus' Kayelekera Uranium Mine, located in Malawi.

The uranium will be processed at the Orano CE conversion facility in France.

The ASX 300 uranium stock said it has been working closely with Orano during the past months to optimise and qualify its product. Lotus is providing independent laboratory testing results as a condition for initial shipments of its Kayelekera uranium ore to Orano CE.

The uranium miner said it remains on track to deliver nameplate production at Kayelekera in the second quarter of calendar year 2026. This follows ongoing performance improvements through the second half of February and into March.

Lotus also reiterated that its supply chains "remain robust".

However, the ASX 300 uranium stock is not immune from the widespread impacts of the Iran war.

The company said that exporting uranium via the port of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania remains its preferred route to market. But with the availability of shipping from Dar es Salaam to the trans-shipment hub in Singapore impacted by the conflict, Lotus said it is working with road transport group, Alistair Group, and freight forwarder, Orano NPS, to commence exporting its uranium ore via Walvis Bay, Namibia.

What did management say?

Commenting on the agreement that's helping boost the ASX 300 uranium stock today, Lotus Resources managing director Greg Bittar said, "Orano's acceptance of uranium marks a fantastic milestone for the Kayelekera restart, positioning Lotus as the next global uranium supplier."

Bittar continued:

We are very excited to have achieved this acceptance by Orano CE, which allows us to now plan for first product to be dispatched from site. The first export of uranium is subject to final product preparation, testing, acceptance, permits and shipping arrangements, all expected to occur in Q2 CY26.

Looking ahead, Bittar added:

Whilst we will continue working to achieve accreditation with the other two western converters, ConverDyn and Cameco, the ability to exchange or swap product between converters means an Orano CE account provides us with delivery flexibility across all contracts and for future sales.

The post Guess which ASX 300 uranium stock is rocketing today on a 'fantastic milestone' appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Cameco. 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.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) shares are charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) diagnostic and therapeutic product developer closed yesterday trading for $13.04. In afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are swapping hands for $13.54 apiece, up 3.8%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.8% at this same time.

With today's intraday gains factored in, shares in the ASX 200 healthcare stock are now up an eye-popping 56.9% since notching a multi-year closing low of $8.63 on 16 February.

Despite that meteoric rise, Telix shares remain down 48.9% over 12 months. The stock has faced investor pushback on several fronts over the past year, including regulatory filing issues for some of its leading products with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

But with the company actively engaging with the FDA, MPC Markets' Mark Gardner believes the market is undervaluing this $4.6 billion ASX stock (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Telix shares today?

"The company's prostate imaging agent is generating strong sales in the United States," said Gardner, who has a buy recommendation on Telix shares.

According to Gardner:

The near-term story is about brain cancer imaging. The company recently re-submitted its drug application to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Pixclara, an imaging agent for a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.

Telix reported on that resubmission on 16 March. While shares finished lower on the day, the ASX 200 stock is now up 23.4% since market close on 16 March.

Gardner continued:

The FDA has given it priority status, and Telix has gone through a formal meeting to address every question raised in its previous application. In our view, a re-submission isn't a setback, but the last step before approval.

Summing up his buy recommendation on Telix shares, Gardmer said, "We believe the market isn't pricing in the benefits of a potentially successful FDA outcome."

What's happening with Pixclara?

Commenting on the company's ongoing engagement with the FDA on its brain cancer imaging agent, which could support Telix shares longer-term, Telix chief medical officer David Cade said:

We appreciate the FDA's recognition of the critical unmet need to improve the diagnosis and management of glioma, particularly in the post-treatment setting.

Our resubmission is supported by an extensive and compelling data set – particularly so for an orphan indication. We are grateful to our global clinical collaborators, who share our commitment to ensuring patients in the US can benefit from this important patient management tool.

Telix said that it expects the FDA review of Pixclara to progress in the coming months.

The post Up 57% since February, why Telix shares could keep leaping higher in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Guzman Y Gomez (ASX: GYG) shares are sinking today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) Mexican fast food restaurant chain closed yesterday trading for $16.00. In early afternoon trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $15.86 apiece, down 0.9%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.6% at this same time.

Today's underperformance is par for the course for the struggling restaurant owner and operator.

Indeed, now down 50.8% in 12 months, Guzman Y Gomez shares just fell to new all-time lows (should the price at time of writing be maintained until close).

Even stockholders who managed to take part in the initial public offering (IPO) on 20 June 2024 are in the red now. IPO investors were able to buy shares for $22.00 each. This saw them book a one-day gain of 36.4%, with the ASX 200 stock ending its first day of trading at $30.00 a share.

But after then rising to $43.35 a share by 6 December 2024, it's been mostly a downhill ride for stockholders since then.

Taking just a little bit of the sting from those losses, the ASX 200 stock paid two fully franked dividends over the past year, totalling 20 cents a share.

So, with shares having halved in a year, and down by 63.4% since the December 2024 record closing high, is the Mexican restaurant chain finally selling for a bargain?

Are Guzman Y Gomez shares now on sale?

Catapult Wealth's Blake Halligan recently ran his slide rule over the company (courtesy of The Bull).

"GYG is a Mexican themed restaurant chain," Halligan said.

Pointing to the past year's painful share price decline, he noted, "GYG shares have fallen from $31 on March 31, 2025 to trade at $16.81 on March 26, 2026."

Despite that big retrace, and the company's relatively strong H1 FY 2026 performance in its Australian market, Halligan has a sell recommendation on Guzman Y Gomez shares.

"Although network sales grew 18% to $682 million in the first half of fiscal year 2026, several metrics signal caution," he said.

According to Halligan:

Segment underlying EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation] in the United States posted a loss of $8.3 million. The stock continues to trade on high price/earnings multiples.

The ASX 200 fast food stock released its half year results on 20 February. And with investors apparently more concerned over potential headwinds in the US markets than the growth posted in Australia, Guzman Y Gomez shares closed down 13.9% on the day the results were posted.

Summing up his sell recommendation, Halligan concluded, "In our view, execution risks are rising and margins are under pressure. Investors may find better opportunities by re-allocating funds to alternative investments."

The post Guzman Y Gomez shares just sank to new all-time lows. Time to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are pushing higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock closed yesterday trading for $19.51. As we head into the Tuesday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $19.56 apiece, up 0.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.5% at this same time.

Northern Star shares remain up 6.8% over 12 months – not including the two partly franked dividends totalling 55 cents per share – despite the horror month the miner just experienced.

Hit with stiff headwinds from a fast-falling gold price and negative investor reaction to its decreased FY 2026 production guidance, shares in the ASX 200 gold stock are down a steep 38.4% since market close on 2 March.

That compares to an 8.4% decline in the ASX 200 and a 30.0% drop in the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) over this period.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

After plunging more than 38% in a month, is the Aussie gold mining giant now a bargain buy?

Should you buy Northern Star shares today?

MPC Markets' Mark Gardner recently analysed the outlook for the ASX 200 gold miner (courtesy of The Bull).

"The gold company has been punished for downgrading gold production," he said. "Mechanical and equipment issues at its flagship Kalgoorlie operation have been frustrating, and the market has lost patience."

Indeed, Northern Star shares closed down 18.8% on 13 March after miner announced that, due to the issues Gardner mentions above, it now expects FY 2026 gold production of at least 1.50 million ounces. That was down from full year guidance of 1.60 million to 1.70 million ounces of gold reported on 2 January, which was already revised downwards from earlier guidance of 1.70 to 1.85 million ounces.

But Gardner notes that the long-term outlook for investing in the ASX 200 gold stock remains in place.

"However, Northern Star still owns one of the best gold assets in the world and its long-term reserve base is intact," he said.

Gardner also pointed to the impact of the Iran war as potentially offering a good buying opportunity for Northern Star shares.

"The conflict in Iran has also generated indiscriminate selling in gold miners that history tends to show as a buying opportunity," he noted.

Amid the prospect of rising interest rates, and as investors the world over have tapped into liquid assets to meet their financial obligations, the gold price has plunged 15% since 2 March, currently trading for US$4,518 per ounce.

Commenting on his current hold recommendation on Northern Star, Gardner concluded, "Operational problems are temporary, and we expect the gold price to improve moving forward."

The post Down 38% in March, should you buy the dip on Northern Star shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) is marching higher today.

West African Resources shares closed yesterday trading for $3.05. In late morning trade on Tuesday, shares are swapping hands for $3.09 apiece, up 1.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time, while the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 0.3%.

Here's why West African shares are outperforming today.

(* Note, all figures below in US dollars unless otherwise specified.)

ASX 200 gold stock lifts on record production outlook

West African shares are outperforming today after the unhedged gold miner released its production guidance for calendar year 2026 and its 10-year production outlook.

As for the year ahead, the ASX 200 gold stock forecasts production of 430,000 ounces to 490,000 ounces of gold. The high end of that guidance represents a 63% increase from the 300,000 ounces of gold West African produced in 2025.

The company expects to produce this gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,900 per ounce.

And with plans to increase its gold resources and extend mine lives, the miner is aiming to drill some 100,000 metres across its Sanbrado and Kiaka assets, both located in Burkina Faso, in 2026.

Amid strong operations, West African Gold said it is also considering share buybacks or declaring a maiden dividend in 2026.

"2026 is set to be a record production year for WAF as we will see a full year of operation from Kiaka for the first time, and another solid year of production from Sanbrado is expected," West African Gold CEO Richard Hyde said.

What's ahead for West African Gold shares?

Looking to the decade ahead, the ASX 200 gold stock released an updated Resources, Reserves and 10‐year production outlook.

West African's Reserves increased to 7 million ounces of gold, while its Mineral Resources increased to 13.7 million ounces of gold.

Over the 10 years from 2026 to 2035, the miner expects to produce 5.3 million ounces of the yellow metal. Annual gold production is forecast to peak at 596,000 ounces in 2030.

And Hyde noted that those production figures could ramp up following ongoing exploration.

He said:

We see potential to improve annual production further through our ongoing drilling programs where we plan to drill more than 100,000 metres annually targeting extensions at M5 South underground, beneath M5 North open-pit and Toega underground.

Despite the March retrace following the onset of the Iran war and resulting decline in global gold prices, shares in the ASX 200 gold stock remain up 32% in 12 months.

The post Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is lifting off today on record breaking news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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.

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) KFC fast food restaurant operator closed yesterday trading for $8.78. In early morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $8.62 apiece, down 1.8%.

For some context, the ASX 300 is down 0.2% at this same time.

Here's what's happening.

Collins Food shares slide on Taco Bell divestment

Atop its KFC restaurants, the ASX 300 stock also operates 27 Taco Bell outlets in Australia.

But, as investors have been expecting, that era is coming to an end.

Collins Food shares are slipping today after the company announced it has entered into a legally binding conditional arrangement to transition 20 of its 27 Taco Bell restaurants to an affiliated company of Taco Bell (part of YUM! Brands) and Restaurant Brands Australia Holdings.

The two parties are expected to operate the Taco Bell business going forward under a new partnership arrangement. The deal also covers the restaurants' employees, if they choose to accept offers of employment from the new owners.

The seven remaining Taco Bell restaurants will be closed over the next few weeks.

Collins Foods expects to incur one-off costs of $1 million to $2 million related to the closure of these seven restaurants.

The sale won't offer a big cash boost for Collins Foods shares, with the company saying the purchase price comprises "a nominal amount" plus the value of stock and cash floats. The new owners will assume the lease liabilities for the 20 restaurants.

Following its Taco Bell divestment, however, Collins Foods said it can now focus on its core KFC brand. The ASX 300 stock has KFC outlets in Australia and Europe, with a particular growth focus in Germany.

What did management say?

Commenting on the divestment that's yet to lift Collins Foods shares today, CEO Xavier Simonet said:

Collins Foods is pleased to announce the transition of 20 Taco Bell restaurants to the brand owner, Taco Bell, and its local partner, subject to completion of the proposed transaction. This will enable Collins Foods to focus on our core KFC business in Australia and Europe, including accelerating profitable development in Germany.

Simonet added, "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and to supporting all our team, whether transitioning or otherwise, through this process."

Collins Food expects the sale to complete between June and August, depending on regulatory approval timelines and the purchasing parties finalising their terms.

With today's intraday slide factored in, Collins Foods shares remain up a slender 0.5% since this time last year, not including dividends.

The post KFC owner Collins Foods shares sliding on Taco Bell exit appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) shares are sinking today.

Shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) tech stock, which provides data solutions for AI applications, closed on Friday trading for $1.445. In early afternoon trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $1.355 apiece, down 6.2%.

For some context, the All Ords is down 1.2% at this same time.

Despite today's fall, Appen shares remain up an impressive 108.5% since closing at one-year lows of 65 cents on 21 November.

Without a doubt, then, that would have been an opportune time to buy the All Ords tech stock.

But after more than doubling from those lows, has the train left the station on further gains?

For some greater insight into that question, we defer to MPC Markets' Mark Gardner (courtesy of The Bull).

Is it too late to buy Appen shares today?

"Appen is a former market darling of technology stocks," Gardner said. "The company built a global business providing the human-labelled data that artificial intelligence systems needed to learn."

However, Gardner expects that the artificial intelligence revolution is going to take a material bite out of the company's future earnings.

Explaining his sell recommendation on Appen shares, he said:

Demand seemed unlimited and the share price reflected optimism, trading above $35 in July 2020. While Appen pays workers to label data, artificial intelligence is getting better at doing the role itself.

Synthetic data generation, automated labelling pipelines and AI systems that can evaluate their own outputs are advancing rapidly. In our view, the recent share price bounce reflects short term sentiment around AI investment themes rather than an improvement in the structural outlook.

Gardner concluded, "The company's statutory net loss after tax of US$21.8 million in full year 2025 was up from a US$20 million loss in the prior corresponding period. The shares were trading at $1.565 on March 26, 2026."

What's the latest from the ASX All Ords tech stock?

Appen reported its full-year 2025 results, which Gardner mentioned above, on 25 February.

Despite the company's full-year loss, Appen shares closed up 27.6% on the day of the release.

Investors reacted positively to the company's 4.5% year-over-year increase in operating revenue to $230.8 million.

On the earnings front, the company achieved a 251% increase in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), before FX, to $12.2 million.

"FY25 was pleasing as we saw durable improvements to the business, with new wins in generative AI, operational efficiencies, and the revenue trajectory throughout the year," Appen CEO Ryan Kolln said.

The post Up 109% since November, are Appen shares still a buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Appen. 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.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) shares are tumbling today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) health imaging company closed Monday trading for $117.70. During the Monday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $112.46 apiece, down 4.5%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 1.4% at this same time.

Unfortunately for longer-term stockholders, today's underperformance has been more the rule than the exception over the past eight months.

Indeed, Pro Medicus shares are now down a painful 66.0% since notching an all-time closing high of $330.48 on 17 July last year.

That comes despite the company posting some strong financial growth metrics in H1 FY 2026, as investor fears over potentially rising competition from AI models has intensified this year.

But after this sharp sell down, two top analysts believe the ASX 200 healthcare stock is well-placed to rebound (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy Pro Medicus shares today?

"Pro Medicus develops advanced medical imaging software used by major hospitals and radiology groups globally," said Catapult Wealth's Blake Halligan

Citing the first reason he has a buy recommendation on Pro Medicus shares, Halligan said, "The company reported a strong first half result in fiscal year 2026, with revenue up 28.4% to $124.8 million and underlying profit before tax rising 29.7% to $90.7 million."

Then there's the company's strong balance sheet and recent new contract wins.

According to Halligan:

In March, PME secured two important contract renewals worth a minimum of $40 million, both at higher transaction fees, signalling strengthening pricing power. With an underlying earnings before interest and tax margin at 73% and cash of $222 million, PME remains financially robust.

And the third reason you might want to buy the ASX 200 healthcare share today is the company's positive growth prospects in the massive US healthcare market.

"Growing US market share supports a positive long term growth outlook, making PME an attractive portfolio addition," Halligan concluded.

Also tipping the ASX 200 healthcare share as a buy

MPC Markets' Mark Gardner also has a bullish outlook on the beaten down Pro Medicus shares.

"The company provides medical imaging software and services to hospitals and healthcare groups across the world," said Gardner. "Its software has quietly become the dominant choice across some of the largest hospital networks in the United States."

And rather than expressing concern over the potential impact of AI, Gardner believes it will help the company's growth prospects.

"The product is faster, more scalable and modern than what its competitors offer. Artificial intelligence is built in, so it complements the business," he said.

Summing up his buy recommendation on the ASX 200 stock, Gardner concluded:

The share price plunge has been driven by broad technology sentiment as opposed to issues with the business. Earnings are still growing and the company still wins major new hospital contracts.

In our view, the market has handed investors an appealing entry point into one of the best software businesses on the ASX. We retain our buy recommendation.

The post 3 reasons to buy Pro Medicus shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX shares that could double over the next decade (or much sooner)
• 3 ASX shares down 25% (or more) to buy right now
• Why two experts are urging investors to buy Pro Medicus shares
• 3 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy amid sector rout
• The best time to buy shares? It might be right now

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 recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are edging lower today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed on Friday trading for $50.37. In morning trade on Monday, shares are swapping hands for $50.24, down 0.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 1.5% at this same time.

Taking a step back, BHP shares have strongly outperformed over the past year, gaining 31.5% compared to the 7.4% 12-month gains posted by the benchmark index. BHP also paid out two fully franked dividends over the year totalling (a rounded) $1.96 a share.

However, since the onset of the Middle East conflict, the Aussie mining giant has underperformed. Shares have fallen 15.2% since market close on 2 March, trailing the 8.8% losses posted by the ASX 200.

Which, according to Sanlam Private Wealth's Remo Greco, could make now an opportune time to pick up some shares in the ASX 200 miner at a bargain (courtesy of The Bull).

Should you buy BHP shares today?

"The current volatility presents investors with an opportunity to buy this global miner at attractive prices," said Greco, citing the first reason he's bullish on BHP shares.

As for the second reason, he noted:

The recent BHP announcement of Brandon Craig replacing the retiring Mike Henry as chief executive is a good appointment. Craig was responsible for the company's Americas business, and that's where the growth is likely to come from in the medium term.

BHP shares closed up 0.7% on 18 March, the day the miner announced Craig's elevation to CEO.

And the third reason you might want to buy the ASX 200 mining giant today is its growing revenues and profits.

"Group revenue in the first half of 2026 was up 11% on the prior corresponding period and profit from operations was up 34%," Greco said.

A modestly less bullish view

MPC Markets' Mark Gardner also recently analysed the outlook for BHP shares.

While he also sounded an optimistic note, Gardner currently has a hold recommendation on the ASX 200 mining stock.

According to Gardner:

The global miner delivered a strong half year result in fiscal year 2026. Copper delivered the majority of earnings for the first time in the company's modern history. The dividend was above expectations. The balance sheet is in good shape.

The conflict in Iran has rattled commodity markets, and BHP shares have fallen heavily. Most of BHP's output goes to Asia, not through the Strait of Hormuz. The market is selling the ticker, not the fundamentals.

We suggest adding on weakness, and holding for an upgrade when the conflict ends.

The post 3 reasons to buy BHP shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX 200 mining shares this fund manager is backing for long-term growth
• Buying ASX 200 mining shares? Here's how Rio Tinto, Fortescue and BHP stacked up in March
• Why sitting out this ASX share market chaos could cost you big
• Why now could be the perfect time to buy ASX dividend stocks
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.