What did Air New Zealand report?

• Suspended FY2026 earnings guidance due to jet fuel market volatility
• First-half FY2026 net loss of $59 million previously reported
• Jet fuel prices have soared from US$85–90 to US$150–200 per barrel recently
• Air New Zealand is 83% hedged against Brent crude for the rest of FY2026
• Estimated fuel consumption (March–June 2026): approximately 2.9 million barrels

What else do investors need to know?

Air New Zealand's prior earnings outlook relied on more stable fuel prices and assumed jet fuel would remain around US$85 per barrel in the second half. However, sharp increases in prices and a widening crack spread are now expected to have a significant impact on the company's bottom line.

The airline has implemented initial fare adjustments to help offset these cost pressures. Management also flagged the option of further pricing measures and changes to its flight network and schedule if high fuel costs persist. Ongoing cost-saving initiatives are being progressed in parallel.

What's next for Air New Zealand?

Air New Zealand has put its formal earnings guidance on hold until jet fuel markets and other key operating conditions stabilise. Management will be monitoring the situation closely and responding as needed through pricing, scheduling, and ongoing cost controls to help reduce the impact on earnings.

Investors can expect further updates as conditions evolve, especially relating to input costs and demand shifts in the aviation sector as a result of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Air New Zealand share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Air New Zealand shares have declined 29%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 8% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Air New Zealand suspends earnings guidance as jet fuel prices soar appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Air New Zealand report?

• Operating revenue up 1.2% to $3.44 billion for 1H FY26
• EBITDA of $347 million
• Loss before taxation of $59 million (compared to prior period profit of $144 million)
• Net loss after taxation: $40 million
• Liquidity at $1.3 billion; net debt to EBITDA of 2.6x
• No interim dividend declared

What else do investors need to know?

The half-year loss was mainly driven by global engine maintenance issues, slower-than-hoped domestic demand recovery, higher aviation system costs, and a weaker New Zealand dollar. Up to eight aircraft were grounded at times, reducing capacity and contributing to $90 million in lost earnings despite partial compensation from engine makers.

A strategic review is underway, with the airline focusing on returning to sustained profitability amid ongoing cost pressures. Air New Zealand is also progressing operational improvements, such as upgrading its Boeing 777 interiors and refreshing its loyalty program.

What did Air New Zealand management say?

Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar said:

With the support of the Board we are undertaking a comprehensive review of all aspects of the business, with the objective of returning the airline to sustained profitability through enhanced operational performance, growth and further cost transformation initiatives… While we are disappointed that the engine availability issues have taken longer than anticipated to resolve, we are pleased with recent progress and now expect a total of four grounded Airbus neo and Boeing 787 aircraft to return to service throughout the 2026 calendar year. We will also take delivery of two of ten new 787 aircraft later in the financial year, providing widebody capacity growth of around 20 percent to 25 percent over the next two years.

What's next for Air New Zealand?

The airline expects second half capacity to rise as grounded aircraft return and new planes arrive, but cautions that earnings may not immediately benefit. Air New Zealand forecasts 2H26 earnings broadly in line with or modestly below the first half, assuming jet fuel averages US$85 per barrel.

Key risks remain, including the timing of aircraft returns, the outcome of further compensation talks, and ongoing volatility in costs and demand. The strategic review will target operational improvements and a renewed focus on sustainable growth and connectivity.

Air New Zealand share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Air New Zealand shares have declined 10%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Air New Zealand reports half-year loss appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Air New Zealand released a first-half trading update recently, which revealed that the carrier, expecting a 2% to 3% increase in revenue across domestic and US-bound bookings, had not actually achieved this.

This has not materialised to date and is not yet evident in the current forward booking profile., the impact of which is approximately NZ$50 million ($44.2 million) for the half. The local economy remains subdued, with ongoing softness across business, government and leisure segments.

Air New Zealand also informed the ASX this week that its engine lease costs for the half were now expected to be approximately NZ$20 million ($17.7 million) higher, due to the recognition of end-of-lease costs on two short-term aircraft leases that were not previously included in its outlook.

Another NZ$10 million ($8.8 million) in costs would come from the company's obligations under the mandatory Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, which "will result in increased fuel costs''.

Swinging to a loss

The company in August said it was expecting its first half pre-tax earnings to be "similar to or less than that reported in the second half of the 2025 financial year", or NZ$34 million ($30 million).

Taking the aforementioned changes into account, Air New Zealand this week said it now expects a loss in FY26 "in the range of NZ$30 million to NZ$50 million ($26.5-$44.2 million)".

It added:

This assumes an average jet fuel price of US$85 ($130.9) per barrel for the period. Given the ongoing uncertainties, the airline will update the market as required.

Shares still look cheap

Despite the negative trading update, the Macquarie team still think there's money to be made in Air New Zealand shares.

The Macquarie analysts did cut their price target for the company, from 75 cents to 68 cents, but this is still well above the prevailing share price of 52 cents.

Another disappointing update reflecting an ongoing challenging economic backdrop with green shoots from lower interest rates yet to show up. Air New Zealand's balance sheet can weather such conditions, and the company is positioned to deliver strong profit before tax improvement as the fleet returns to scale.

Factoring in dividends, the Macquarie team is forecasting a total shareholder return from Air New Zealand shares of 18%.

Air New Zealand shares have traded within a narrow band on the ASX over the past year, with a low of 47 cents and a high of 58 cents.

The post Which airline stock is Macquarie tipping to generate 18% returns? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did Air New Zealand report?

• Expected first-half 2026 loss before taxation of $30 million to $55 million
• Earlier guidance anticipated a result similar to or below 2H FY25's $34 million profit
• 2%–3% targeted revenue uplift in Domestic and US-bound bookings not achieved; impact is approximately $50 million
• Engine lease costs are expected to increase by around $20 million in 1H 2026
• Mandatory CORSIA carbon scheme to add roughly $10 million to costs this half
• Between 9 and 11 aircraft have remained grounded since the start of FY26

What else do investors need to know?

Air New Zealand's management is actively working on further cost-saving and efficiency measures to offset headwinds such as system-wide cost inflation and subdued demand in business, government, and leisure travel segments. The airline is also advocating for more affordable airport landing charges and third-party costs to help support the wider economy and its own recovery.

The company is carrying the cost of additional fleet and a full workforce to prepare for future recovery, despite current demand weakness. Its Kia Mau transformation programme is on track to deliver cost and revenue benefits in the current financial year.

What's next for Air New Zealand?

Looking ahead, Air New Zealand plans additional capacity growth in the second half of FY26, so first-half results may not reflect the full year's outcomes. The company remains in discussions with engine manufacturers over compensation for grounded aircraft, but the timing and amount remain uncertain.

With ongoing volatility in demand and rising costs, management will provide further market updates as visibility improves. Investors are reminded not to extrapolate the first-half result across the entire year given these factors.

Air New Zealand share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Air New Zealand shares have increased 7%, slightly trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has rise around 8% over the same period. 

View Original Announcement

The post Air New Zealand warns of first-half FY26 loss as revenue, costs miss the mark appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With the August reporting season done and dusted, scores of companies have ex-dividend dates next week.

If you're keen to buy any of these ASX shares while they are still trading cum dividend, time is running out!

To receive a stock's next dividend, you must buy or already own it before the ex-dividend day.

We provide a sample of the ASX shares going ex-dividend next week below.

35 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

The post 35 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The benchmark index closed 0.92% lower yesterday at 8,662 points.

In July, the experts upgraded these nine ASX 200 shares to strong buy ratings.

Let's check them out.

9 ASX 200 shares with strong buy ratings

The following ASX 200 shares received an upgraded 'strong buy' consensus rating on the CommSec platform in July.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The consensus rating on Telix Pharmaceuticals shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 31 July.

The Telix share price finished the session on Friday at $20.15, down 4.28%.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX 200 tech share with a 12-month price target of $34.

Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR)

Commsec analysts reached a consensus 'strong buy' rating on Worley shares on 31 July.

The Worley share price closed at $13.38, up 0.22% yesterday.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

The consensus rating on CSL shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 22 July.

The CSL share price finished last week at $264.05, down 2.53%.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on the ASX 200 healthcare share with a 12-month price target of $305. 

Orica Ltd (ASX: ORI)

Commsec analysts reached a consensus 'strong buy' rating on Orica shares on 22 July.

The Orica share price finished the session on Friday at $21.30, down 0.37%.

UBS has a buy rating on the explosives manufacturer with a 12-month share price target of $32. 

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The consensus rating on WiseTech Global shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 22 July.

The WiseTech Global share price finished the session on Friday at $116.34, down 3.04%.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on the ASX 200 tech share and a 12-month target price of $135.

Air New Zealand Ltd (ASX: AIZ)

Commsec analysts reached a consensus 'strong buy' rating on Air New Zealand shares on 31 July.

The ASX 200 airline share closed at $116.34 on Friday, down 2.55%.

But wait, there's more!

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

The consensus rating on Capstone Copper shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 22 July.

Capstone Copper shares led the market on Friday after the miner reported record production.

The ASX 200 copper stock was the fastest riser of the day, up 9.46% to $9.37.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on the ASX 200 copper share with a price target of $13.30. 

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Commsec analysts reached a consensus 'strong buy' rating on this ASX 200 buy now, pay later stock on 22 July.

The Zip share price finished the week at $3.25, up 0.62%.

Blackwattle portfolio managers Robert Hawkesford and Daniel Broeren said Zip shares still have 'meaningful upside'.

They commented:

We still see meaningful upside through the ongoing penetration of BNPL products in the US which has a significant runway, sitting at only ~2% today, vs ~15% and ~20% in Australia and Europe respectively.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)

The consensus rating on Westgold Resources shares was upgraded to a strong buy on 22 July.

The Westgold Resources share price closed at $2.53, down 1.17%, yesterday.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on the ASX 200 gold share with a 12-month share price target of $3.60. 

The post 9 ASX 200 shares attracting 'strong buy' ratings from the experts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's take a look at how these three ASX travel shares performed in FY25.

Which ASX travel share provided the best returns in FY25?

In terms of share price growth, Qantas shares win

Let's start our assessment by reviewing share price growth for each of these ASX travel shares.

The Flight Centre share price fell 38% from its closing value of $20.18 on the last trading day of FY24 to $12.48 on 30 June 2025.

The Qantas share price leapt 84% from $5.85 per share on 28 June 2024 to $10.74 per share on 30 June 2025.

The Air New Zealand share price increased by 15% from 48 cents per share on 28 June 2024 to close out FY25 at 55 cents.

As my Fool colleague Bernd explains, Qantas benefited from strong domestic travel demand and increasing overseas travel in FY25.

Passengers were willing to pay historically high airfares to head overseas during the year.

Qantas also benefited from lower fuel costs amid global crude oil prices waning.

On dividends, Flight Centre shares win

What about income in FY25?

Over the FY25 period, Flight Centre paid an interim dividend of 30 cents per share in October 2024.

The travel agency then paid a final dividend of 11 cents per share in April 2025.

So, investors in this ASX travel share received 41 cents per share in annual dividends, plus full franking credits.

Qantas shares paid their first dividend since 2019 this year. The airline ceased dividend payments in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

Qantas paid an interim dividend of 16.5 cents per share plus a special dividend of 9.9 cents per share in April.

This totalled 26.4 cents in annual dividends with 100% franking for FY25.

Air New Zealand shares paid a final dividend of 1.374 AU cents per share in September 2024.

The airline stock then paid an interim dividend of 1.134 AU cents per share in March 2025.

That's a total of 2.51 cents per share in dividends with no franking credits.

So, in dollar value terms, Flight Centre shares win.

Of course, comparing trailing dividend yields is a much more relevant way to assess which ASX travel share delivered the best income.

Using the closing 30 June share prices to calculate the annual trailing dividend yields, Flight Centre shares still win.

Flight Centre shares have a 3.29% trailing dividend.

Qantas shares have a 2.46% trailing dividend.

Air New Zealand shares have a 0.05% trailing dividend.

The post Did Flight Centre, Air New Zealand, or Qantas shares fly highest in FY25? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

29Metals Ltd (ASX: 29M)

The 29Metals share price is up 9% to 47.5 cents. This morning, this copper miner announced a binding terms sheet for a US$50 million offtake finance facility with Swiss mining giant Glencore. Funds from the proposed offtake facility will be available for draw down from financial close and will provide additional liquidity as its Capricorn Copper operation moves into suspension and is prepared for a successful and sustainable restart. In other news, insurers have committed to a further interim progress payment of $16 million for the surface component of its Capricorn Copper insurance claim. This increases aggregate insurance proceeds to date to $40 million.

Base Resources Ltd (ASX: BSE)

The Base Resources share price is up 110% to 22 cents. This has been driven by news that the minerals sands producer has entered into a binding scheme implementation deed (SID) with Energy Fuels. This will see Base Resources taken over in a deal worth 30.2 cents per share in scrip and cash. This values the company's total equity at approximately $375 million.

Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN)

The Qantas Airways share price is up 3% to $5.79. This is despite Air New Zealand (ASX: AIZ) downgrading its full-year earnings guidance this morning. Qantas' rival warned that its "performance has seen ongoing softening, with challenging economic conditions and ongoing cost-of-living pressures." Though, with Air New Zealand shares rising on the news, it is possible that investors were pricing in even tougher trading conditions for airlines. This may explain why Qantas shares are rising today.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price is up 6% to $3.38. This follows the release of the mining giant's third-quarter update. That update revealed that South32's production in FY 2024 is largely in line with expectations year to date. So much so, that the company remains on track to achieve almost all of its guidance for the financial year. The only disappointment was the Australia Manganese operation, which was impacted by Tropical Cyclone Megan last month. Its guidance has unsurprisingly been downgraded because of the disruption. Management advised that recovery plans are underway to enable a safe return to operations and ore exports.

The post Why 29Metals, Base Resources, Qantas, and South32 shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For example, much to the dismay of their shareholders, the three ASX shares listed below have just hit 52-week lows. Here's what is happening:

Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ)

The Air New Zealand share price hit a 52-week low of 55 cents before rebounding. This latest decline means that the airline operator's shares are now down 21% over the last 12 months.

Last month, Air New Zealand released its half-year results and reported a 13% increase in operating revenue to NZ$3,474 million but a disappointing 39% decline in net profit after tax to NZ$129 million. However, it is worth noting that in the prior corresponding period the company recorded one of its highest-ever results thanks to the rapid return of air travel as New Zealand's borders reopened.

Clover Corporation Ltd (ASX: CLV)

The Clover share price tumbled to a 52-week low of 52 cents today. The ingredients company's shares have now lost 55% of their value over the last 12 months.

Earlier this week, Clover released its half year results and reported a 39% decline in sales to $27.3 million and a loss after tax of $0.6 million. This poor result was caused by ongoing challenges in its infant formula segment. The company advised:

A combination of factors, including declining global birth rates, a shift in Chinese manufacturing preferences towards Algae DHA over fish DHA, and intensified competition in a shrinking market, has led to continued sluggish demand for infant formula products.

Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

The Lake Resources share price dropped to a 52-week low of 6.6 cents today. This decline means that the lithium developer's shares are now down a whopping 87% since this time last year.

Investors have been rushing to the exits since the release of the scoping study for the Kachi lithium project last year. That study relies heavily on lithium price assumptions that are materially higher than current levels.

Whereas if you use realistic lithium price assumptions, the project looks unlikely to offer a return that is sufficient (if any) to justify its construction. Particularly given that its initial capital expenditure for phase one is estimated to be US$1.38 billion. This compares to the ASX lithium share's market capitalisation of $105 million.

The post 3 ASX shares sinking to 52-week lows today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But some ASX stocks are going their own way on Tuesday.

Here are three companies setting new 52-week share price highs today.

The ASX All Ords shares hitting new highs

CSR Limited (ASX: CSR)

Shares in building products supplier CSR reached a 52-week high of $6.10 today. The last price-sensitive news out of CSR came on 4 July when it announced an acquisition. CSR has bought long-standing client Woven Image, a designer and manufacturer of sustainable acoustic solutions for walls and ceilings, for $43 million. The purchase was completed last Friday. The ASX All Ords share is up 38% in 12 months.

Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ)

ASX travel share Air New Zealand smashed a new 52-week peak of 77 cents today. The latest major news out of the company was its FY23 results on 24 August. Air New Zealand reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $412 million vs. a loss of $591 million in the COVID-impacted FY22. The ASX All Ords share is up 28% over the past 12 months.

Emerald Resources NL (ASX: EMR)

ASX gold mining share Emerald Resources hit a new 52-week high of $2.55. The most recent price-sensitive news came yesterday when Emerald Resources released its supplementary bidder's statement. This pertains to its off-market takeover offer for the unlisted gold miner Bullseye Mining Limited, which it announced on 27 July. The ASX All Ords share is up 118.5% in 12 months.

The post 3 ASX All Ords shares cracking new 52-week highs on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here's why they are pushing higher:

Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ)

The Air New Zealand share price is up 1.5% to 70.5 cents. This morning, the airline operator released an update on its guidance for FY 2023. According to the release, the airline now expects earnings before other significant items and tax to be no less than NZ$580 million. This compares with the prior guidance range given in April of NZ$510 million to NZ$560 million.

Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS)

The Metcash share price is up 3% to $3.59. This follows news that analysts at Goldman Sachs have taken their sell rating off this wholesale distributor's shares and upgraded them to neutral with a $3.50 price target. The broker believes all the potential negatives are now priced into its shares.

Service Stream Ltd (ASX: SSM)

The Service Stream share price is up 8% to 74.5 cents. This morning, this essential network services provider revealed that it has received a material tax refund to the amount of $50.2 million inclusive of interest. This is part of the ATO's temporary Loss Carry Back Tax Offset initiative.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside share price is up 1.5% to $34.87. This follows a rise in oil prices overnight driven by Saudi Arabia's plan to cut production. It isn't just Woodside shares that are rising on Thursday. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy index is outperforming the market and up a decent 1.2% in afternoon trade.

The post Why Air New Zealand, Metcash, Service Stream, and Woodside shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The Nitro Software Ltd (ASX: NTO), Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) and Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ) share prices are all in the green today.

Let's take a look at these three ASX All Ords shares in more detail.

Nitro Software

The Nitro Software share price is climbing 3.76% today from $2.13 to $2.21.

Nitro is the subject of a bidding war for a takeover. Alludo is proposing to acquire 100% of Nitro by scheme of arrangement with a revised price of $2.15 per Nitro share. This is 7.5% more than a previous offer. Nitro is recommending shareholders vote in favour of a revised takeover offer from Alludo in the absence of a superior proposal.

Last week, Potentia Capital Management offered to take over Nitro at $2 cash per Nitro share. The Nitro board recommends shareholders reject Potentia's takeover offer.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand shares are climbing 2.78% today.

The company recently upgraded its half-year earnings guidance for the 2023 financial year. The airline is expecting to achieve earnings before significant items and taxation for the first half of the financial year to be between $295 and $325 million. This is an upgrade on the previous guidance of $200 million to $275 million.

Commenting on travel demand, Air New Zealand said:

Continued strong travel demand across the domestic and international networks, as well
as a recent decline in jet fuel prices has accelerated the airline's financial recovery. As
a result, Air New Zealand is today upgrading half year earnings guidance for the 2023
financial year.

Arafura Rare Earths

The Arafura Rare Earths share price is soaring 8% today.

Arafura is exploring the Nolans Project in the Northern Territory for neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr). Nolans contains all the rare earths, but it is "particularly enriched" in magnet feed rare earths Nd and Pr. Arafura recently highlighted that the Nolans project is the "only advanced stage NdPR focussed project outside China that plans to mine and process ore to oxide at a single site".

Arafura is conducting a capital raise of $133 million to accelerate construction.

The post It's not all bad news for the ASX All Ords on Monday. Here are 3 big gainers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that aren't letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here's why they are charging higher:

Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ)

The Air New Zealand share price is up almost 3% to 74 cents. This morning the airline operator upgraded its half year earnings guidance. It now expects earnings before significant items and tax to be in the range of NZ$295 million to NZ$325 million for the half. This compares to its previous guidance of NZ$200 million to NZ$275 million. Continued strong travel demand across the domestic and international networks, as well as a recent decline in jet fuel prices, has accelerated the airline's financial recovery.

Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX: CHN)

The Chalice Mining share price is up 13% to $6.32. This follows the release of promising drilling results from the Julimar Complex in Western Australia. Drilling at the greenfield Hooley Prospect, ~5km north of the current Gonneville Resource, has intersected a significant PGE-nickel-copper-cobalt-gold mineralisation.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution Mining share price is up over 4% to $2.92. This follows a rebound in the gold price overnight after the US dollar and bond yields softened. Evolution isn't the only gold miner rising today. The S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is up 2.8% this afternoon.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

The Origin share price is up 1% to $7.85. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Credit Suisse this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the energy company's shares to an outperform rating with a $9.00 price target.

The post Why Air New Zealand, Chalice, Evolution, and Origin shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares of the iconic airline closed at $5.82 after earlier making an intraday high of $5.94.

Meanwhile, the industrials sector, which Qantas is a part of, also struggled on Monday. In fact, the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) was the worst-performing sector on the market today, losing 2.28%.

Qantas rival Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ) also finished lower with a 1.35% loss.

Finally, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the day almost laying flat, losing 0.16%.

So why did Qantas shares lag the market on Monday? Let's investigate.

What went on with the Qantas share price today?

Qantas shares slipped on Monday as the airline contends with an underpayment claim being brought against it in Federal Court, The Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported on Sunday.

The claim is being initiated by Qantas engineers who state the airline breached the Fair Work Act as well as the graded wage structure in their industrial agreements. These breaches allegedly came in the form of engineers being demoted to lower positions in the pay scale and receiving lower salaries as a result, the reporting said.

It was also noted by AFR that the new lawsuit could be seen as a continuation of Qantas' previous disputes with its engineers. This included a claim of alleged underpayment of salaries made by The Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA) in 2019 that was later remediated by the airline.

When a Qantas spokesperson was asked by AFR for comment, they declined and instead referred to comments they had made relating to the earlier case in 2019:

Qantas is committed to paying its employees in accordance with relevant agreements. In this case, there is a complicated system that determines how our licensed engineers move between pay brackets Errors in this system could result in a combination of under and overpayments to individuals.

Qantas has already made adjustments to pay levels where required. What is at issue is the correct level of backpay, which Qantas has been working in good faith to determine, but is now engaged in needless court proceedings.

Qantas share price snapshot

The Qantas share price has gained around 16.07% year to date. That's soundly beating the ASX 200 Index, which is down by around 4% over the same period.

The company's market capitalisation is around $11 billion.

The post Why did the Qantas share price have such a lousy start to the week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the iconic Australian airline are soaring 13.22% over this period. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down at a 6.05% loss. The Qantas share price closed at $5.14 on Friday.

There has been a lack of news from Qantas over this time to support its market-beating performance, but some positive developments have occurred. Let's cover the highlights.

Qantas's passenger numbers recover

Figures released by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) show that the airline's total number of passengers increased by 27,990 to 351,988 from July last year to July 2022. This represents almost full passenger capacity.

Another reason Qantas's shares could outperform the ASX 200 is that investors feel more bullish on Qantas compared with the aggregate of its peers in the index. Headwinds of rising inflation and interest rate hikes have hit some sectors more severely than others, particularly the tech and consumer discretionary sectors.

Earnings improve for chief rival

Higher passenger numbers mean potentially more cash hitting Qantas's coffers. This effect is already observed with Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ) posting a positive half-year earnings guidance for FY23.

Air NZ notes that it saw "strong forward sales" for the first three months of this financial year and is operating at approximately 70% of its capacity for FY19. The bottom line is that it expects its earnings before taxes and other significant items to be between $200 million and $275 million.

These expected results are a significant improvement, as the airline reported a loss before other significant items and taxation of $440 million ending FY21.

So if Air NZ's results are anything to go by as a closely related peer company, then Qantas's shares could be kept buoyant by the expectation that its fundamentals will also improve in the future.

Qantas share price snapshot

The Qantas share price is up 2.59% year to date. Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index is down 11.68% over the same period.

The company's market capitalisation is $9.69 billion.

The post Why is the Qantas share price flying higher than the ASX 200 this month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are pushing higher:

Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ)

The Air New Zealand share price is up almost 8% to 64 cents. Investors have been buying this airline operator's shares following the release of a trading update. Air New Zealand revealed that it is currently running at 70% of pre-pandemic capacity. In light of this, the company projects earnings before taxes and other significant items to be in the range of NZ$200 million to NZ$275 million for the first half of FY 2023.

Cronos Australia Ltd (ASX: CAU)

The Cronos Australia share price is up 10% to 61.5 cents. This follows the release of an update on the cannabis company's CanView 2.0 platform. According to the release, the six-stage rollout of the platform continues with stage one and two now delivered. It also advised that there are 800 doctors using the platform in Australia, which represents just 3% of its addressable market.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

The Viva Energy share price is up 4% to $2.74. Investors have been buying this fuel retailer's shares after it announced the $300 million purchase of the Coles Express business from Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL). The transaction will see Viva Energy own and operate the 710 Coles Express sites currently operated by Coles.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

The Soul Patts share price is up almost 5% to $27.01. This follows the release of the conglomerate's full year results. Soul Patts reported a 154.4% increase in profit to $834.6 million. This allowed the company to declare a fully franked final ordinary dividend of 43 cents per share and a 15 cents per share special dividend.

The post Why Air New Zealand, Cronos, Soul Patts, and Viva Energy shares are pushing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This comes after the company provided a half-year guidance update for the 2023 financial year.

At the time of writing, shares in the airline operator are up 9.24% to 65 cents apiece.

By contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (XJO) is down 1.46% to 6,706.9 points following losses on Wall Street overnight.

Air New Zealand share receive welcomed boost

The Air New Zealand share price is travelling higher today following the release of its upbeat forward sales report.

According to the update, Air New Zealand advised that it is continuing to see strong sales numbers for the first three months of FY 2023. In particular, January 2023 is expected to be especially robust, given the school holiday period when families mostly travel.

At present, Air New Zealand stated that it is running at 70% of FY 2019 capacity (pre-pandemic levels).

On the basis of this outlook, the company projects earnings before taxes and other significant items to be in the range of $200 million to $275 million for the first half of FY 2023.

However, this is based upon the average price of jet fuel price remaining at approximately US $130/bbl.

If oil prices continue to climb, this will weigh on Air New Zealand's earnings.

Taking into account the uncertain macroeconomic factors such as inflationary pressures on costs, management refrained from providing full-year guidance.

Air New Zealand share price summary

No doubt, Air New Zealand shareholders will be hoping for a full recovery in 2023, as the company was hit hard during COVID-19.

The Air New Zealand share price fell to as low as 47 cents in June but has since been slowly climbing since. Its shares remain 30% lower over the past 12 months.

Air New Zealand commands a market capitalisation of roughly $2.2 billion with approximately 3.37 billion shares on issue.

The post Air New Zealand share price soars 9% on guidance update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Qantas shares closed yesterday trading for $5.35 and are currently trading for $5.34 apiece.

While a loss is a loss, the Qantas share price is holding up better than the broader market, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) down 1.1% at this same time.

The ASX 200 sell-off follows another day of significant losses in US markets, with US futures pointing to another rough day ahead on the NASDAQ-100 (NASDAQ: NDX) and Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI).

But, what's this about Qantas' competitor Virgin Australia eyeing merger opportunities?

Is Virgin Australia looking to spread its wings?

If you cast your mind back a few years, you will likely recall that Virgin Australia used to trade on the ASX. And, indeed, it may do so again with a potential initial public offering (IPO) flagged for as early as next year.

Virgin entered voluntary administration in April 2020. That was right when domestic and global air travel came to an abrupt halt amid the early months of the pandemic.

Bain Capital bought Virgin in October 2020 for $3.5 billion and continues to hold the airline today.

Regarding Virgin's acquisition plans, in an article published by The Australian after markets closed yesterday, the paper said its sources had indicated Virgin and Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ) have discussed a merger. The column also said Virgin is investigating acquiring Regional Express Holdings Ltd (ASX: REX).

According to the article, unnamed sources reported that investment banks Goldman Sachs and Jarden have been offering assistance to Virgin regarding possible merger plans. It was said the plan would involve "a back door dual listing" on both the ASX and the New Zealand Exchange (NZX).

As far as the Air New Zealand discussion goes, the airline responded to the media merger speculations this morning, stating:

Air New Zealand confirms that it has not been approached, and is not in discussions with any parties, regarding a potential merger transaction.

As for any potential impact on Qantas shares, if Virgin were to acquire Rex, The Australian said its sources indicated that would only move forward if Rex were to return to solely flying regional routes.

Qantas share price snapshot

The Qantas share price has outperformed in 2022, up 3.7%. That compares to a 10.8% loss posted by the ASX 200.

The post Qantas share price outperforms as Virgin eyes merger opportunities appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Notably, investors weren't impressed with the airline's FY22 results released on Thursday. Alas, yesterday's losses were extended following the update.

Zooming out, and the airline's share price is down almost 32% this year to date, as seen on the chart below.

What else happened for Air New Zealand last period?

The key point from the company's performance last year was its loss before tax of $725 million, compared to last year's $444 million.

This result was projected during previous market guidance back in June, so didn't come as a surprise. Nevertheless, statutory loss before tax also came in at $810 million.

Travel restrictions related to COVID-19 were largely to blame for the narrowed result.

"Although the financial year ended strongly following the phased reopening of New Zealand's borders from March, the airline's operating revenue of $2.7 billion was significantly impacted by pandemic related travel restrictions," the company said.

"Cargo and domestic revenues helped lift overall revenue by 9%, however high fuel prices and reduced flying over much of the year resulted in a loss for the period," it added.

Management commentary

Speaking on the result, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Greg Foran said:

For customers, we've been focused on restoring services, maintaining a choice of fares and launching innovations to improve their journey with us. For our amazing staff we have provided one-off awards to acknowledge their continued extra mahi, and for our communities we've been obsessed with operational performance, which drives the reliable services they depend on.

For our shareholders, whose support has refuelled the business for future growth, we've completed a
successful recapitalisation that was structured to be fair to our shareholders, including those that didn't take up the rights offer.

What's next for Air New Zeland?

The company didn't provide any earnings guidance in its report. However, it expects total flying capacity for FY23 to be in the range of 75% to 80% of pre-COVID levels.

In the past 12 months, the Air New Zealand share price has slipped around 60% into the red.

The post Why has the Air New Zealand share price fallen this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) fell more than 3.3% today, weighed down by oil prices.

Global oil prices fell between 1.2% and 3.7% on Thursday as the OPEC+ confirmed it would increase output in August as much as previously announced amid supply concerns. The fall saw oil prices recording their first monthly decline in 2022.

ASX 200 materials shares also underperformed on the back of lower base metal prices, after the price of copper recorded its worst quarter since 2011.

But it wasn't all dire today. Real estate and industrials bolstered the market, with the sectors each gaining more than 1%.

All in all, eight of the ASX 200's 11 sectors ended Friday's session in the green.

But which ASX share bested the rest to take out the crown of today's top performer? Read on to find out.

Top 10 ASX shares countdown today

The best performing share of the 200 largest ASX shares by market capitalisation on Friday might surprise market watchers.

It was none other than Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ). The airline has taken off nearly 7% on Friday to trade at 53.5 cents. Find out what Air New Zealand has been up to, here.

Its performance was shadowed by that of Latitude Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: LFS). Learn more about Latitude here.

Today's top 10 biggest gains were made by these ASX shares:

Data as at 3:59pm AEST

Our top 10 ASX shares today countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary to ensure you know which companies were making big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the market has closed during weekdays to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.