While it doesn't operate as one of the core sectors of the ASX, "travel stocks" refer to companies that operate in the leisure, travel, or tourism sectors.

Fundamentally, travel companies sell goods and services that help people get from one place to another – be it for business or pleasure.

Why are travel stocks struggling in 2026?

Travel is largely a discretionary activity. 

That means it's not an essential need for the everyday consumer. 

A clear comparison can be made between consumer staples and discretionary companies.

Staples are goods and services we can't live without, like groceries, healthcare, or utilities. 

These companies generally have steady, non-cyclical earnings, regardless of economic factors. 

Travel stocks, on the other hand, are highly sensitive to a mix of economic factors that influence people's ability and willingness to travel. 

These factors include: 

• Economic growth (GDP) – Strong growth increases travel demand 
• Disposable income & consumer confidence – Higher income and confidence lead to more spending on travel
• Interest rates – Higher rates reduce spending power and travel budgets
• Fuel prices – Rising fuel costs increase expenses, especially for airlines
• Exchange rates – Currency strength affects affordability of international travel
• Inflation – Higher inflation raises costs and reduces real spending power
• Employment levels – More jobs can mean more people able to afford travel
• Global stability & events – Crises or disruptions can quickly impact travel demand. 

Glancing over this list, you might see why travel stocks have struggled this year, with plenty of these headwinds influencing people's ability to travel. 

However, many travel stocks have now been heavily sold off. 

This means if headwinds subside in the back half of 2026, there could be value. 

Let's look at three options to consider buying low. 

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Web Travel Group is an online travel agency that enables customers to search and book domestic and international travel flight deals, travel insurance, car hire, and hotel accommodation worldwide.

Its share price has fallen more than 44% year to date. 

However, 8 analyst forecasts via TradingView place an average price target of $5.86 on this travel stock. 

That indicates an upside of 121% from today's price. 

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre operates a vast network of travel agencies under various brands worldwide, including Student Universe, Travel Money, Corporate Traveller, and Topdeck.

Its share price has tumbled nearly 25% year to date. 

A recent note out of Citi included a $16.75 price target on Flight Centre shares. 

This indicates a potential upside of 48% from today's opening share price of $11.30. 

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld is an Australian-based travel distribution company. It comprises a wide array of travel brands across three key business pillars: retail, wholesale, and inbound.

Its share price is down more than 17% year to date. 

However, Shaw and Partners placed a 12-month share price target of $2.80 late last month. 

This indicates nearly 80% upside from current levels. 

The post Is it time to buy low on these ASX travel stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Today's fall builds on yesterday's 1.77% drop after missile strikes on energy assets in the Middle East caused a spike in oil prices.

ASX All Ords shares have fallen 8.13% since the war began, and the market is now 4% in the red for the year to date (YTD).

Meantime, brokers have named 3 ASX shares with buy recommendations amid all this volatility.

Let's take a look.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld Travel shares are steady at $1.44 on Friday, down 23.8% YTD and down 6.5% over 12 months.

Shaw and Partners reiterated its buy rating on this ASX travel share after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released new data.

The broker commented:

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Overseas Arrivals and Departures data for January 2026 bodes well for Helloworld Travel Limited (ASX:HLO) with Departures up 8.4% Financial YTD and the travel destination mix reasonably steady. 

Shaw and Partners kept its 12-month share price target at $2.80.

This implies a potential 94% upside from here.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

The Bega Cheese share price is down 0.27% to $5.60 at the time of writing.

The ASX consumer staples share is down 7.67% YTD and up 8.6% over the past year.

This month, PAC Partners retained its buy rating and increased its price target by 7% to $7.50 per share.

This implies a potential 34% upside from here.

The broker said:

Bega Cheese Limited's (ASX:BGA) vision of a great Australian food company arrived this year with: a scalable platform #1 and #2 "better for you" brands; #1 Australian cold chain; off-shore leverage; and a 50% lift in dividend in 1H'26.

Starpharma Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPL)

The Starpharma share price is 47 cents, up 1.1% on Friday.

This ASX small-cap share has risen 25.7% YTD and soared 365% over 12 months.

PAC Partners has a buy rating on this ASX healthcare share.

The broker forecasts growth in partnerships and over-the-counter revenue over the next four years.

PAC Partners says it has a "high risk" 12-month price target range of 80 cents to $1 on Starpharma shares.

This suggests a possible minimum capital gain of 70% over the next 12 months.

PAC Partners commented:

Starpharma Holdings Limited (ASX:SPL) will start human clinical trials of its novel radiotherapy drug for a solid cancer target by the end of 2026.

This in-house project opens up SPL dendrimer applications beyond the Genentech, medicxi and RAD.ASX partnered projects.

The post 3 buy-rated ASX shares in today's falling market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I've had a look at three companies which appear to fit the bill pretty well.

Let's take a look.

Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX)

This toll road company is exactly the sort of business that I think most dividend investors are searching for.

Infrastructure companies such as Atlas Arteria tend to have long-term, stable contracts, with good visibility out over potentially several years, especially on the cost front.

Atlas Arteria is currently paying a trailing dividend yield of 8.67%, which is high, but investors can take heart from what the company said when announcing its full-year results in February.

The company not only reaffirmed its final dividend of 20 cents per share but also said it would target future full-year distributions of at least 40 cents per share, "supported by free cash flow".

While that's not an ironclad guarantee, it's a strong indication that the company will continue paying out strong returns.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld makes the list for both strong returns and potential upside in its share price.

Shaw and Partners issued a research note this week saying that strong traveller arrival and departure numbers for January boded well for the travel operator, and they set a price target of $2.80 on the stock, compared with $1.47 currently.

The broker is predicting a dividend yield of 7.5% for the current financial year, rising to 8.2% over the subsequent two years.

Helloworld shares have been sharply sold off since the conflict in the Middle East began, and are not far off their 12-month lows of $1.30.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT)

Financial stock Perpetual is paying a 7% dividend yield, and just this week announced the $500 million sale of its wealth business to Bain Private Equity, in a move that will simplify the business.

The company said the money raised would be used to retire debt and foster organic growth in its two remaining business divisions. This surely puts the company in a good position to maintain its dividend flows.

Macquarie had a look at the wealth deal this week and put out a research note to its clients forecasting a dividend yield of 7% this financial year, which would then fall to 6.7% in FY27 and 6.4% in FY28.

The analyst team at Macquarie also has a bullish share price target of $24.60 for the stock, compared with $15.99 currently.

The post These 3 ASX stocks are paying better than 7% dividend yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In the last 12 months, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen a healthy 9%. 

Despite this, many ASX travel shares are hovering close to 12-month lows. 

Is there any value?

Here is what experts are saying. 

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Webjet provides online travel booking services. It is an online travel agency, which enables customers to search and book the domestic and international travel flight deals, travel insurance, car hire, and hotel accommodation worldwide.

In the last 12 months, its share price has fallen more than 40%. 

At the time of writing, shares are trading for approximately $2.68. 

Much of the negative sentiment around the travel stock has come from a Spanish tax audit into Web Travel Group. 

The audit is an investigation by Spain's tax authorities into whether one of its local subsidiaries correctly reported and paid corporate and indirect taxes for several recent years. 

This sent its share price down 40% in a single day. 

Management reassured investors that only the company's Spanish subsidiary is being audited and it did not expect any material earnings impact from the Spanish tax review.

It seems with sentiment at an all-time low, there could be upside for this ASX travel stock. 

Based on 9 analyst forecasts via TradingView, Webjet shares have a one year average price target of $5.93. 

This indicates a potential upside of approximately 121%. 

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld Travel consists of a wide array of travel brands across three key pillars of its business: retail, wholesale, and inbound. 

Its stock price closed yesterday at $1.48, down 28% from yearly highs back in early February. 

However now could be a good time to buy according to recent broker recommendations. 

Following earnings results, Morgans placed a buy recommendation on this ASX travel stock. 

Similarly, Shaw & Partners placed a $2.80 price target on the company. 

From yesterday's closing price, this indicates 89% upside. 

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

Flight Centre operates a vast network of travel agencies, operating under various brands across the world, including Student Universe, Travel Money, Corporate Traveller, and Topdeck.

Its share price is sitting close to 52-week lows at $11.26 per share. 

It's down more than 30% since early February. 

However, according to brokers, its now trading at compelling value.

The team at Canaccord Genuity recently placed a price target of $16 on Flight Centre shares

Meanwhile, Macquarie has a price target of $17.95. 

UBS' recent target sits in the middle at $16.45. 

Morgan's recent target is the highest at $18.05. 

These targets indicate upside of between 42% and 60%. 

The post ASX travel shares are hovering near yearly lows – time to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meanwhile, the professionals continue to assess companies' earnings reports and re-rate ASX stocks accordingly.

Let's take a look at what Morgans thinks of these three ASX companies following their results.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld reported a 12.1% lift in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $30.5 million for 1H FY26.

The ASX travel share will pay a pay a fully franked interim dividend of 5 cents per share.

Post-results, Morgans maintained its buy rating on Helloworld shares, commenting:

HLO reported a strong 1H26 result which slightly beat expectations.

FY26 EBITDA guidance for 15-30% growth was reiterated. Its forward bookings remain strong.

Following the 1H26, we have upgraded our forecasts.

Given HLO's undemanding trading multiples, improved trading conditions and contribution from new accretive acquisitions, we reiterate our BUY rating.

Coles Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles reported a 12.5% lift in net profit after tax (NPAT), excluding significant items, to $676 million.

NPAT including significant items was $511 million, down 11.3%.

Those significant items totalled $235 million, or $165 million after tax, and were the result of a Federal Court judgment relating to Fair Work proceedings involving historical underpayment of workers.

Coles shares will pay a fully franked interim dividend of 41 cents per share, up 10.8% on last year.

Morgans said the 1H FY26 result was softer than expected but execution remained strong.

The broker upgraded the ASX consumer staple share from a hold to accumulate rating.

In our view, COL continues to perform well with key Supermarkets metrics such as customer scores, sales growth, cost discipline and store execution remaining solid.

We hence view the recent share price pullback as an attractive entry point.

The Coles share price has fallen 14.6% over the past six months.

Morgans maintained its 12-month price target of $22.90 on Coles shares.

TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPG)

TPG Telecom reported an NPAT of $52 million for FY25, up from a loss of $140 million in FY24.

The company improved its operating free cash flow by 98.9% to $1,291 million.

TPG Telecom shares will pay a final dividend of 9 cents per share with 30% franking.

After reviewing the numbers, Morgans maintained its accumulate recommendation on the ASX telco share.

The broker said:

TPG's FY25 result was in line with guidance and consensus expectations, as was its underlying EBITDA and capex guidance for FY26.

The highlight was continued strong mobile subscriber growth. For many years TPG/Vodafone has struggled to grow mobile market share.

However, over the course of 1HCY25 and 2HCY25 it has ignited growth and outpaced peers in terms of mobile subscriber growth.

Its network quality and brands are resonating with consumers and medium-term mobile growth could soon become a trend.

The broker increased its 12-month price target on TPG Telecom shares from $4.20 to $4.40.

The post What is Morgans saying about Helloworld, TPG Telecom, and Coles shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

We've had a look at the broker reports, and the good news is that the shares in each company look like a good buy at the moment, at least according to the brokers we've checked in with.

So let's look a bit closer at what they're saying.

Helloworld Travel

This company reported its first-half results this week and said that its total transaction volume came in at $2.1 billion, "with strong forward bookings for the remainder of FY26 and well into FY27".

The company said it was on track to achieve its full-year guidance, and the underlying EBITDA for the half of $30.5 million was up 12.1% on the previous corresponding period.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Burnes said it was a "solid performance in the first half, underpinned by continued investment in the business".

He added:

We progressed the expansion of our retail networks, our technology offering and wholesale product range, while further strengthening our core capabilities in air ticketing and consolidation. Helloworld remains the largest network of independent travel agents and brokers across Australia and New Zealand. We continue to leverage our scale, industry expertise and strong partner relationships to drive sustainable long‑term growth.

The team at Shaw & Partners ran the ruler over the Helloworld result and likes what they see. They have a $2.80 per share price target on the company, compared with $1.79 currently, and reminded their clients that the company also pays a dividend yield of 6.3%.

Flight Centre Travel Group

This company is more than 10 times the size of the former, but the growth story is much the same.

Flight Centre this week reported an underlying profit before tax of $125 million, "above expectations", on revenue of $1.411 billion, up 6%.

Flight Centre said the expectation had been for a "broadly flat" profit, and it had surpassed this "comfortably".

The company's total transaction value hit a record $12.5 billion, up 7%, and it had a record-low cost margin of 9.6%, "reflecting disciplined cost management and productivity gains".

Interestingly, the company also said it was investing in artificial intelligence, which is seen as a major driver for the business going forward.

The team at Canaccord Genuity had a look at this week's result and has maintained its price target of $16 on Flight Centre shares, compared with $12.66 currently.

The analysts said this week's results were "modestly stronger" than expected and that the company can hit its targets for the second half.

The team over at Macquarie have an even more bullish price target of $17.95 for Flight Centre shares.

The Macquarie team said the company was "well on track to deliver FY26 guidance, with solid total transaction volume growth across both segments''.

They added:

Valuation (is) attractive, and we see material upside to the current share price over a 12-month view.

The post Brokers think these two travel shares could take off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Webjet is an Australian online travel company known for its popular website that allows customers to compare and book flights, hotels, and holiday packages.

Yesterday, its share price tumbled 2.6%. 

This follows on from the losses from Friday last week which saw Webjet shares tumble more than 20% after the announcement of a failed takeover bid.

What happened?

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO), which already owns a stake in Webjet, made a conditional offer to buy the rest of the company late last year. 

Here is the timeline: 

• 19 November 2025 Webjet announced it had received a non-binding and indicative offer from Helloworld Travel o acquire 100% of the shares in Webjet that Helloworld did not already own by way of a scheme of arrangement at an all-cash price of A$0.90 per share. 
• 21 November 2025 Webjet announced it had received a revised non-binding and indicative offer from BGH Capital to acquire all the shares in Webjet not already owned by BGH and its associates via an off-market takeover at an all-cash price of A$0.91 per share (Revised BGH Proposal).

However, after several weeks of due diligence and negotiations, neither Helloworld nor BGH Capital submitted a formal binding proposal that Webjet's board felt was certain and attractive enough. 

According to a release Webjet ended the talks and the proposed takeover ended. 

What now?

Webjet management reinforced that its time, focus and resources should return wholly to executing the company's existing strategy.

After yesterday's share price fall, Webjet shares are trading at $0.56. 

That's a decline of 26% across two days of trading. 

It now sits almost 36% lower than the start of the year. 

So, could this be an opportunity to buy the dip?

Morgans weighs in 

In a note out of the team at Morgans, the broker said Webjet has downgraded its FY26 EBITDA guidance by another 7-9%.

Earnings uncertainty remains high given cyclical and structural threats and at a time when WJL is investing in its business for longer term success. 

Given WJL is no longer in play, focus returns to the fundamentals of the business which look challenged in the near term.

The broker has retained a hold rating on Webjet shares. 

It also has updated its price target to $0.61.

From yesterday's closing price, that indicates an upside of approximately 9%. 

Based on this target, it seems any further share price dip could make it an attractive buy-low option. 

The post Where to next for Webjet shares after a 26% crash? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Webjet shares jumped significantly when the potential takeover was first announced in mid-November, increasing from 76 cents to 88 cents in one session.

At the time, Helloworld said that it had submitted a non-binding, indicative proposal to the board of Webjet, to acquire the company for 90 cents per share.

The company went on to say:

Helloworld believes the proposal represents a compelling offer for all Webjet's shareholders, with the opportunity to realise a premium valuation and 100% cash consideration. Further we believe that Helloworld and Webjet are logical partners and that a combination provides a strong platform for both companies to achieve their long-term strategic objectives.

The proposal was conditional on the satisfactory completion of due diligence by Helloworld, required regulatory approvals, and a unanimous recommendation in favour by the Webjet board.

A competing takeover offer from BGH Capital at 91 cents per share was also pitched in November.

Talks called off

Webjet said on Friday morning in a statement to the ASX that neither party had put forward a proposal which they could take to shareholders.

The company said:

Over the last 12 weeks, Webjet has engaged constructively with Helloworld and BGH, providing both parties with due diligence access. The Webjet Board has not however received a proposal from either party that is consistent with the respective indicative proposals or capable of being put to shareholders. The Webjet Board does not believe there is sufficient certainty that a binding proposal that is capable of being recommended by the Webjet Board will be received from either party within an acceptable timeframe. As a result, the Webjet Board has determined that management's time, focus and resources should return wholly to executing the Company's existing strategy. Accordingly, discussions with both Helloworld and BGH have now ceased.

The company said its board remained open to engaging with parties on any change of ownership proposal in the future about a "proposal that represents compelling value for shareholders and offers sufficient certainty of execution within an acceptable timeframe''.

The company also updated the market as to trading conditions, saying it had been a challenging period, and underlying EBITDA for FY26 was expected to be in the range of $28 to $29 million, excluding Webjet Business Travel, "which is delivering in line with plan and as foreshadowed is expected to reduce underlying EBITDA by circa $600-900 thousand in 2H26''.

Webjet also said it would restart its $25 million share buyback, which was put on hold while the takeover talks were on foot.

Webjet shares were changing hands for 60 cents on Friday morning, down 22.6%.

The post Webjet Group shares plunge as Helloworld takeover plans fall through appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's take a look at the ratings on a few ASX All Ords stocks.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

The Helloworld Travel share price closed at $1.98, up 1.58% yesterday.

Shaw and Partners has a buy rating on this ASX travel share with a 12-month price target of $2.75.

The broker explained the rating:

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Overseas Arrivals and Departures data for November 2025 bodes well for Helloworld Travel Limited (ASX: HLO).

Departures were up 8.5% Financial YTD and the travel destination mix was reasonably steady.

HLO is trading well below its ASX-listed peers (based on medians), offers a TSR of circa 56% and a FY26 dividend yield of 5.5% fully franked.

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

GQG Partners is a boutique active asset manager that specialises in international shares.

The GQG Partners share price closed at $1.59, up 0.96% on Tuesday.

On The Bull this week, Remo Greco from Sanlam Private Wealth gave this ASX financial share a hold rating.

Greco said total funds under management at the end of last year was $US163.9 billion, up from $US153 billion in the previous period.

The company trades on a modest valuation and offered an attractive dividend yield above 10 per cent on January 22, 2026.

The company delivered revenue and net profit growth at its latest 2025 half year result when compared to the prior corresponding period.

Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

The Domino's Pizza share price closed at $24.11, down 1% yesterday.

Stuart Bromley from Medallion Financial Group has a sell rating on this ASX consumer discretionary share.

Bromley said:

Domino's may be a turnaround play if current cost cutting, franchise improvements and international expansion go to plan.

But we see execution risk in Asia and Europe.

The company posted a statutory net loss of $3.7 million in fiscal year 2025, which was impacted by one-off items.

The Domino's Pizza share price slumped to a 12-year low of $13.11 on 2 October last year.

Last year was challenging for Domino's Pizza.

Amid a company restructure to bring the retailer out of its post-COVID slump, CEO Mark van Dyck resigned after eight months in the job.

Domino's chairman and major shareholder, Jack Cowin took the reins and continues in an executive chair role today.

Bromley said:

The shares have recovered from their lows, but are well below their highs of previous years.

The company operates in a fiercely competitive sector, where margins can be pressured.

Until DMP shows a sustained recovery, we prefer to sit on the sidelines.

Other stocks appeal more at this stage of the cycle.

The post GQG Partners, Helloworld, Domino's Pizza shares: Buy, hold, or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I've run the ruler over a few companies on the ASX, and come up with three investment ideas which might fit the bill if a decent dividend yield is what you're after.

Poised for broad-based growth

The first of these is McMillan Shakespeare Ltd (ASX: MMS), which, according to the ASX, is paying a trailing dividend yield of 8.7%, fully franked.

The company's products include salary packaging, novated leasing, fleet management, and National Disability Insurance Scheme plans, with more than 500,000 customers on its books.

The company has been growing its earnings year on year for the past three years, while revenue for FY25 was up 3% to $541.6 million.

The company has a policy of paying out 70% to 100% of underlying net profit, and its guidance for the current financial year is for "customer growth across all segments''.

McMillan Shakespeare paid a 77-cent dividend in September, following a 71-cent payout in March.

Taking flight

Second cab off the rank is travel company Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO), which is paying a trailing dividend yield of 7.67% fully franked.

The company has paid a consistent 6 cents per share final dividend over the past three years, while in March it paid an outsized interim dividend of 8 cents per share.

Managing Director Andrew Burnes told the company's annual general meeting in October that the company increased its net profit by 4.1% to $33.2 million, despite an 8.7% decline in revenue to $192.8 million.

On the outlook, Mr Burnes said the company's balance sheet was strong, with cash of $79.4 million and no external bank debt.

He added the company was "well-positioned for sustainable growth and long-term resilience", while EBITDA was expected to grow from $60.6 million in FY25 to $64-$72 million this year.

Helloworld is also aiming to buy out fellow listed travel company Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL) with a non-binding bid of 90 cents per share currently in the market.

Road to riches

Our third decent dividend player is toll road operator Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX), which is paying a trailing, unfranked dividend yield of 8.24%.

In releasing its first-half results in August, the company said it was not only reaffirming its 40 cents per share dividend, but also said "Atlas Arteria is targeting future distributions of at least 40 cents per share, supported by growing free cash flow''.

Chief Executive Hugh Webby said while releasing the results that, "by staying disciplined on managing capital and costs efficiently and being relentless about performance, we're setting ourselves up to keep delivering long-term value for our securityholders''.

The post Three under-the-radar dividend plays for your portfolio 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 rising:

Gentrack Group Ltd (ASX: GTK)

The Gentrack share price is up 7.5% to $6.82. This morning, this billing software company revealed that its new g2 platform has been selected to enhance operations and customer experience at Pennon Water Services. It is one of the UK's leading business water and wastewater retailers. This marks the first customer to adopt g2 in the UK, and the first g2 water implementation. In other news, Bell Potter reaffirmed its buy rating on Gentrack's shares with a reduced price target of $9.80. It said: "We are positive on secular tailwinds in decentralised energy driving utility billing stack transformations broadly."

Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

The Kogan share price is up over 1% to $3.03. Investors have been buying this online retailer's shares following the release of an update at its annual general meeting. Kogan revealed that in the first four months of FY 2026, adjusted EBITDA was $10.1 million with a margin of 6.5%. The latter is within its guidance range of 6% to 9%.

Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL)

The Webjet share price is up over 2% to 91 cents. This has been driven by news that the online travel agent has received another takeover offer. Helloword Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO) made an offer of 90 cents per share earlier this week, but this morning BGH Capital has joined the bidding with a 91 cents per share proposal. In response, the company said: "After carefully considering the revised BGH proposal, the Webjet board has agreed with BGH's request to provide BGH with an opportunity to conduct due diligence, subject to the parties agreeing to a mutually acceptable non-disclosure agreement."

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The WiseTech Global share price is up 4% to $66.82. This morning, this logistics solutions technology company released its annual general meeting update and reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2026. WiseTech's new CEO, Zubin Appoo, said: "Looking ahead, we reconfirm our guidance and expect revenue between $1.39 and $1.44 billion and EBITDA of $550 to $585 million. As outlined when we announced our FY25 Results in August, the e2open integration will temporarily impact margins – and that is exactly as planned. We have a clear execution roadmap, backed by more than three decades of successfully integrating strategic acquisitions and rebuilding margin strength. We know how to do this."

The post Why Gentrack, Kogan, Webjet, and WiseTech shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, analysts at RBC Capital Markets believe that yet another bidder could enter the fray, potentially driving the price paid for the company even higher.

HelloWorld lobbed a potential bid for Webjet earlier this week, stating it would look to acquire the company for $0.90 per share, subject to due diligence and other conditions, including a unanimous recommendation from the Webjet board in favour of the deal.

This has been followed on Friday morning by a once again non-binding offer from BGH priced at 91 cents per share, which is also seeking a unanimous recommendation from the Webjet board.

The BGH bid follows a previous proposal put to Webjet in May this year to buy the company for 80 cents per share.

BGH already controls major stake

Webjet said in a statement to the ASX on Friday that BGH already had control over a significant proportion of the company's issued capital.

As it told the ASX:

Pursuant to a co-operation agreement with Portfolio Services Pty Ltd, an entity associated with Ariadne Australia Ltd and Gary Weiss, BGH has a total relevant interest of 18.3% in Webjet ordinary shares.

Conditions associated with the BGH bid include that it attain control over at least 75% of Webjet shares and the required regulatory approvals.

Similar to the HelloWorld bid, the Webjet board will now allow BGH access to its books to conduct due diligence.

As the company said:

After carefully considering the revised BGH proposal, the Webjet board has agreed with BGH's request to provide BGH with an opportunity to conduct due diligence, subject to the parties agreeing to a mutually acceptable non-disclosure agreement.

Webjet shares were trading at 91.5 cents on Friday morning, up 2.5 cents.

Analysts at RBC Capital Markets believe that the takeover tussle may intensify even further, as they said in a note issued to clients on Friday.

Two competing bidders, with the board granting both access to due diligence would indicate to us that Webjet is very much in play. We continue to believe Webjet possesses attributes (strong market position, brand awareness, cash generation and cash balance etc.) that would appeal to both trade and financial buyers alike. We do not consider it unreasonable that another bidder may enter the fray.

RBC has a price target of $1.10 on Webjet shares.

Solid first-half results

Webjet earlier this week reported its first-half results and declared an inaugural dividend of 2 cents per share.

The company announced on Wednesday that its first-half revenue totalled $67.9 million, representing a 1% decrease from the same period last year, while net profit increased to $6.2 million, a 41% rise.

Webjet said it was a "challenging trading environment for the group", with bookings down 8% and total transaction volumes down 3%.

Domestic bookings were down by 10%, while international bookings were up 4% and made up 22% of total flight bookings.

The company will pay a 2-cent first-half dividend, equivalent to 100% of underlying net profit, "consistent with the announced intention of maximising the distribution of franking credits as they become available, including the payment of special dividends above the target ratio".

Webjet said a proposed buyback program was on hold for now.

Webjet Managing Director Katrina Barry said the results were "broadly in line with expectations, demonstrating the resilience of our business, despite experiencing challenging market conditions".

The post How high could the bidding war for Webjet go? 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:

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

The Nufarm share price is up 9% to $2.33. This follows the release of the agricultural chemicals company's FY 2025 results. Nufarm reported a 3% decline in underlying EBITDA (uEBITDA) to $302.5 million for the 12 months. But, excluding the impact of the emerging Omega-3 and Bioenergy platforms, the company's uEBITDA was up 10% on the prior corresponding period. Management is guiding to earnings growth and positive cash generation in FY 2026. Nufarm's outgoing CEO, Greg Hunt, said: "In FY26, we have good momentum in Crop Protection, clear direction and opportunity in Seed Technologies and are well placed to grow earnings, generate cash and reduce leverage."

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

The Nuix share price is up 4% to $1.93. This has been driven by the release of a trading update ahead of its annual general meeting. The investigative & analytics software provider revealed that its annualised contract value (ACV) currently stands at $230 million. This represents a 12.1% increase on the prior corresponding period and a modest 0.7% lift since June 2025. Looking ahead, it expects its full year ACV to be in the range of $240 million to $260 million in FY 2026.

Silver Mines Ltd (ASX: SVL)

The Silver Mines share price is up almost 10% to 17 cents. This follows the release of strong diamond drilling results at the Bowdens silver deposit. Silver Mines' managing director, Jo Battershill, commented: "It's quite unbelievable that even after 36 years of exploration, resource, infill and extensional drilling at the Bowdens Silver Deposit, we have just drilled the largest ever silver mineralised intercept at this incredible deposit! These results are validation of the quality of the Bowdens Silver Deposit and of the hard work and targeting the technical team have undertaken to deliver this program."

Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL)

The Webjet share price is up 17% to 88.5 cents. Investors have been buying this online travel agent's shares after it received a takeover approach from rival Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO). Helloworld has made a proposal to acquire all Webjet's shares for a cash consideration of 90 cents per share. This represents a 19% premium to its last close price. Helloworld's CEO, Andrew Burnes AO, said: "Our proposal represents compelling value for Webjet shareholders. A combination of Webjet and Helloworld would create a powerful business proposition in the dynamic travel bookings industry. We are committed to working collaboratively with Webjet's Board and management team to progress this transaction expeditiously and with minimum disruption to the Company." The Webjet Board has agreed to provide Helloworld with an opportunity to conduct due diligence.

The post Why Nufarm, Nuix, Silver Mines, and Webjet shares are roaring higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The conditional Helloworld bid is priced at 90 cents per share, 19.2% higher than the 75.5 cents closing price of Webjet shares on Tuesday.

The price is also lower than the levels at which Webjet shares were trading as recently as August.

Due diligence kicks off

Webjet said in a statement to the ASX on Wednesday that the board had considered the offer and agreed to provide Helloworld with an opportunity to conduct due diligence, but cautioned there was no guarantee any deal would eventuate.

The proposal is conditional on the satisfactory completion of due diligence by Helloworld, required regulatory approvals, and a unanimous recommendation in favour by the Webjet board.

As Webjet said in a statement to the ASX:

The Webjet board notes that there is no certainty that the Helloworld proposal will result in a binding offer for the company or a completed transaction. Further announcements will be made in relation to the Helloworld Proposal as appropriate.

Results reflect challenging conditions

Also on Wednesday, Webjet announced its first-half financial results, including the payment of an inaugural 2 cents per share, fully franked dividend.

The company said on Wednesday that first-half revenue came in at $67.9 million, down 1% on the same period last year, while net profit was $6.2 million, up 41%.

Webjet said it was a "challenging trading environment for the group", with bookings down 8% and total transaction volumes down 3%.

Domestic bookings were down by 10%, while international bookings were up 4% and made up 22% of total flight bookings.

The company will pay a 2-cent first-half dividend, equivalent to 100% of underlying net profit, "consistent with the announced intention of maximising the distribution of franking credits as they become available, including the payment of special dividends above the target ratio''.

Webjet said a proposed buyback program was on hold for now.

Webjet managing director Katrina Barry said the results were "broadly in line with expectations,  demonstrating the resilience of our business, despite experiencing challenging market conditions''.

She went on to say:

As communicated last week as part of the update on preliminary 1H26 results and outlook for the balance of the year, with the expectation of a softer market continuing into 2H26, we have made prudent adjustments to our plans to ensure capital is deployed responsibly in the current environment on a balanced basis. Importantly, while remaining vigilant to near term trading conditions, our focus on delivering sustainable long-term growth remains unchanged.

Ms Barry said the company was confident that its FY30 strategic plan provided the right framework to maximise shareholder value, "with doubling total transaction volume as a key – though not the sole – measure of success''.

She added:

We have the right capabilities to deliver on this plan – with deep sector experience, proven execution in scaling travel businesses, and a blend of seasoned executives and fresh perspectives. This positions the business well to continue to progress the next stage of growth and evolution to deliver enhanced shareholder value over the medium term.

The post This travel company has announced a takeover offer and an inaugural dividend on the same day appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In fact, they're pretty bullish on four stocks in the sector, predicting returns of as much as 67.4%.

So why are they thinking this way? Basically travel companies at the global level are looking pretty healthy, with the latest quarterly figures looking "more optimistic", Jarden says.

In terms of overseas companies, Expedia raised its sales guidance to 3% to 5% based on strong growth in the business to business and room night metrics outside of the US, Jarden says.

And hotel operator Marriott said there was strength in leisure demand and growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Locally, Jarden has a buy rating on Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares, and has a price target of $17.20 on the stock, compared with $12.35 at the moment.

Expectations are low, with Flight Centre (in our view) taking a more cautious approach to guidance. We see Flight Centre as an increasingly capital-light business with margin upside and believe it should trade above its current circa-12 times one-year forward PE (price to earnings ratio). All else equal, we see FY26 earnings per share risk as increasingly skewed to the upside.

Jarden analysts said demand in the airline sector across the Asia-Pacific grew at the second strongest rate globally, behind Latin America, "with expectations that trends improve through FY26, aided by potentially easing geo-political impacts through 2H26".

In Australia, figures released by Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) showed travel was making a strong contribution to overall card spend, Jarden said, "accelerating through September''.

Driving improving spend is inflationary pressure on domestic and shorter distance trips to Asia.

Which stocks should you buy?

Jarden's top pick in the sector from a share price return point of view is Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO), with its price target of $2.80, 60.9% above the current price of $1.74.

Jarden also has an overweight recommendation on Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB) shares, and a price target of $5.30 compared with $4.07 currently.

It also has an overweight recommendation on Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL), with a price target of $1.20 against 88 cents currently.

In contrast, Jarden analysts see Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) as fully priced, with a price target of $16 against the current price of $16.07.

The Australian travel sector has lagged global companies, which could turn if we see earnings per share revisions move positive again. We see this as increasingly likely as the global travel backdrop improves. 

The post Looking for gains of better than 50%? Have a look at these travel stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Those results reflect the outsized share price gains some top travel companies have delivered to shareholders over the past year, as well as the subpar returns dished out by others.

Looking to the year ahead, however, it may well be some of FY 2025's laggards that outperform in FY 2026.

Qantas shares may have reached cruising altitude

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares have been among the best-performing ASX travel stocks.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline closed up 9.1% on 28 August following the release of the company's FY 2025 results. Highlights included an 8.6% year-on-year increase in revenue and other income to $23.82 billion. And the airline's underlying profit before tax of $2.39 billion was up 15% from FY 2024.

But with Qantas shares now up more than 71% in a year, currently at $11.66 apiece, leading brokers don't expect the same kind of outsized gains ahead.

Citi has a price target of $12.20 on Qantas shares, while RBC Capital Markets has a short-term price target of $12.00 (courtesy of The Australian Financial Review).

As for rival ASX travel stock Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN), which returned to the ASX on 24 June, Citi has a neutral rating with a short-term price target of $3.80 on Virgin shares.

Virgin shares are currently trading for $3.42 each.

Commenting on Virgin and Qantas shares, ECP Asset Management portfolio manager Andrew Dale said:

Historically, airlines have been complicated businesses with large capital bases and lots of volatility around fuel prices and costs, so it's just not the sort of return on investment we're looking for.

Two ASX travel stocks tipped to surge

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO) reported its FY 2025 results on 26 August. While revenue of $192.8 million was down 8.7% from FY 2024, the ASX travel stock achieved a 4.1% increase in profit after income tax to $33.2 million.

Helloworld shares are currently trading for $1.73 apiece, down 12.4% since this time last year.

But Jarden believes the stock is undervalued (courtesy of the AFR). The broker has an overweight rating on Helloworld shares with a short-term price target of $2.80. That represents a potential upside of 61.8% from current levels.

Which brings us to ASX travel stock Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB), which has also had a difficult year behind it.

As you're likely aware, the company spun off its online travel agency business, Webjet Group (ASX: WJL), on 30 September last year. That left the ASX 200 travel stock to focus on its B2B travel business, WebBeds.

Web Travel released a trading update on 26 August. Web Travel managing director John Guscic noted, "WebBeds continues to gain market share, TTV margins remain stable, and we are on track to deliver record EBITDA in FY26."

Web Travel shares are currently changing hands for $4.19 apiece, down 45.0% over 12 months.

But Citi forecasts a big rebound ahead for the ASX travel stock, with a share price target of $6.60. That represents a potential upside of 57.5% from current levels.

The post 2 beaten down ASX travel stocks tipped to surge 58% and 62% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Data from the ABS released yesterday shows in the month of June there were: 

• 624,510 short-term visitor arrivals – an increase of 6.3% on one year earlier
• 1,618,090 total arrivals – an increase of 6.1% on one year earlier

This could be good news for businesses engaged in travel and tourism. 

Broker Bell Potter has identified two in particular that could bring investors strong returns in the future. 

Lets see what the broker had to say. 

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

Web Travel Group provides online travel booking services. 

It is an online travel agency, which enables customers to search and book the domestic and international travel flight deals, travel insurance, car hire, and hotel accommodation worldwide.

It has fallen more than 40% in the last 12 months, but could now be a value according to Bell Potter. 

Web Travel shares closed at $4.45 yesterday. 

Bell Potter has an "overweight" rating and $6.39 price target. 

If Web Travel shares were to reach this price target it would mean a 43.6% rise. 

The broker said management anticipates an EBITDA margin of 44% to 47% for FY26, with a longer-term target of reaching 50% EBITDA margins by FY27. The company reaffirmed its target of $10 billion TTV by FY30.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Helloworld Travel is an Australian-based travel distribution company. It consists of a wide array of travel brands across three key pillars of its business: retail, wholesale, and inbound. Its portfolio of travel names includes Magellan Travel, Mobile Travel Agents, Viva Holidays, Sunlover Holidays, and Asia Escape Holidays.

Its share price has fallen by approximately 25% over the last year, with Bell Potter now seeing it as a value. 

The broker has an "overweight" recommendation and price target of $2.20 on Helloworld Travel shares. 

From yesterday's closing price of $1.72, this implies an upside of almost 28%. 

The post 2 ASX travel shares Bell Potter tips to take off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The fast-rising stock in question is travel distribution company Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO).

Helloworld shares closed on Friday trading for $1.485 per share. In earlier trade, shares leapt to $1.73 apiece, up 16.5%. At the time of writing, shares are changing hands for $1.71 each, up 15.2%.

Here's what's piquing investor interest today.

ASX All Ords travel share boosts earnings outlook

The Helloworld share price is going ballistic after the ASX All Ords travel stock released an update on its full-year FY 2025 guidance.

As you can probably guess by the soaring share price, that update was for the better.

On 26 February, Helloworld released its half-year results (H1 FY 2025). At the time, management provided underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance of between $56 million and $62 million.

Helloworld looked to be tracking at the mid-point of this earnings range when the half-year results were released.

But in May, management scaled back those expectations. In a market update on 8 May, the ASX All Ords travel stock reported:

Given the inherent market volatility and economic uncertainty over the second half of FY25, HLO now expects to achieve UEBITDA of between $52 million and $56 million, subject to no material adverse change in operating conditions over the remainder of the financial year.

"While uncertainty has impacted near-term travel patterns and choice of destination, this is largely timing and is expected to rebound in FY 2026," Helloworld CEO Andrew Burnes said at the time.

Today, ASX investors are piling back into Helloworld shares after management said that "as a result of various factors" the company now expects underlying EBITDA for FY 2025 to be in the range of $58.0 million to $62.0 million.

Turning to its recent trading results, the ASX All Ords travel stock said it had experienced a year-on-year decline in passenger total transaction value (TTV).

Management said this was spurred by marginally lower customer numbers, changes in destination mix from higher spending long-haul trips to more mid-haul destinations, and lower airfares.

On the plus side, the company's margins were reported to have "improved slightly".

Looking ahead, Helloworld said it has "strong forward bookings" for the remainder of the 2025 calendar year and "well into" 2026.

Helloworld share price snapshot

Despite today's big rebound, the Helloworld share price remains down 15.3% in 2025.

The ASX All Ords travel stock is scheduled to release its full FY 2025 results on 26 August.

The post Guess which ASX All Ords travel stock just rocketed 17% on an earnings upgrade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However they could be significantly undervalued. 

On Tuesday, the latest data for overseas arrivals and departures will be released by the ABS. 

However already this year there has been an uptick in these numbers – positive news for domestic tourism operators. 

Lets look at these two travel companies that could be poised to benefit. 

Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS)

Kelsian operates public and private transport and tourism services across Australia, the US, Singapore, London, and the Channel Islands.

It provides commuter transport for resource, corporate, and education sectors, along with marine and tourism services including cruises, accommodation, and holiday packages.

Its share price has fallen 23.25% over the last 12 months, and closed last week at $3.83 per share. 

Despite a difficult 12 months, broker Bell Potter has a target price of $4.65 on the travel stock. This indicates an upside of 21.42%. 

In a report earlier this year, the broker noted domestic tourism faced headwinds, whilst international sectors have upside. 

The management assured that the impacts seen in the business are likely temporary, with expectations for recovery in numbers particularly in the U.S. market.

Helloworld Travel Ltd (ASX: HLO)

Australian-based travel distribution company Helloworld Travel is another small-cap ASX travel share. It consists of a wide array of travel brands across three key pillars of its business: retail, wholesale, and inbound.

As well as its extensive and diversified travel operations in Australia and New Zealand, Helloworld has a significant business presence in Fiji.

Its share price fell 35.65% over the last year, but now may be a buy-low option. 

Broker Bell Potter currently has a "buy" recommendation and price target of $2.40. 

This represents a potential upside of approximately 57% from the current price of $1.52. 

Elsewhere, online brokerage platform Selfwealth also sees upside in the ASX travel share. 

It has an average price target of $2.33. 

Trading View has a one year price target of $2.34. 

The company also offers an attractive dividend yield of more than 9%. 

The post Can these two battered ASX travel shares bounce back? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's handy to know when the ASX shares you already own are due to go ex-dividend.

If you feel like increasing your holdings, you may want to make those purchases before the ex-dividend dates to pick up the next dividend payments.

Same goes for investors researching companies for new investments. If you're ready to buy a new stock at today's share price, you might as well try to buy before the ex-dividend date.

Awareness of ex-dividend dates also means you won't be surprised when the share prices of your ASX stocks drop on the day.

Share prices usually fall on ex-dividend dates simply because the companies look less appealing (in the short term, at least) without the upcoming dividends attached.

Here is a sample of ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

25 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend

The post Looking for last-minute dividends? 25 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.