Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is down 3.5% to $8.05. This is despite news that the company has signed a strategic capital partnership with Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ). The Challenger partnership includes a whole-of-loan sale and a forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. Challenger's chief investment officer, Damian Graham, said: "We're pleased to have partnered with BOQ on this whole-of-loan sale and forward flow arrangement for equipment finance assets. The transaction establishes a strategic partnership with BOQ and provides Challenger with access to a high-quality, seasoned and highly diversified loan portfolio that will deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns for Challenger and institutional investors."

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is down 3.5% to $1.31. This has been driven by the release of a uranium production update this morning. The company revealed that it will replace two newly installed electrical control panels in the drying and packaging area of its Kayelekera uranium mine due to fire damage sustained on Saturday. The incident is expected to result in production downtime of approximately three weeks for repairs, testing, and recommissioning. Lotus' managing director, Greg Bittar, commented: "Despite this delay, the progress in positioning Kayelekera for steady-state production this quarter has been encouraging, and we still expect to achieve this in Q2 CY2026. Reagent planning and inventories, mill performance and other key processing parameters all provide visibility on this."

Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB)

The Mesoblast share price is down 6.5% to $1.99. This follows the release of a sales update from the biotech company today. Mesoblast revealed that net sales for Ryoncil reached US$30.3 million in the third quarter. This means that revenue since the Ryoncil launch is now approaching US$100 million. This may be softer than some investors were expecting. Ryoncil is the only FDA-approved cell therapy for children under 12 with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8)

The Wildcat Resources share price is down almost 4% to 37.5 cents. This morning, the lithium explorer and developer released a drilling update. It revealed a ~300 metres northerly extension of interpreted spodumene mineralisation at Bolt Cutter Central. It is located ~10km west of Wildcat's Tabba Tabba Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The post Why Challenger, Lotus Resources, Mesoblast, and Wildcat shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) continues its run as the most shorted ASX share after its short interest rose slightly to 15.3%. It seems that short sellers are betting against the pizza chain operator's turnaround strategy.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 14.3%, which is down slightly since last week. This radiopharmaceuticals company failed to gain FDA approval for a couple of its therapies last year. Short sellers don't appear confident that 2026 will be any better despite a recent resubmission.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 14.2%, which is flat since last week. This may be due to valuation concerns with the medical device company's shares trading on high earnings multiples.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 14.1%, which is up week on week. This quick service restaurant operator's shares have fallen heavily over the past 12 months due to their premium valuation and concerns that its US expansion could be a failure. The US was supposed to be its largest growth opportunity.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has short interest of 12.1%, which is up again since last week. There are major concerns over this uranium miner's production outlook beyond 2026.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest fall again to 11.6%. This wine giant is battling consumer spending pressures and distributor disruption. Short sellers appear to believe it will get worse before it gets better.
• Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) has entered the top ten with short interest of 11.8%. This infection prevention technology company's performance has underwhelmed in recent times. It seems that short sellers aren't confident a change is coming.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 11.8%, which is up week on week again. Short sellers have been loading up on the travel agent's shares since the Middle East conflict. There are concerns it could have a negative impact on travel markets.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has 11.4% of its shares held short, which is up since last week. Short sellers appear to think this counter drone technology company's shares are overvalued after surging over the past 12 months.
• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) has short interest of 10.2%. This uranium producer is one of a number of stocks in the industry being targeted by short sellers, with several sitting just outside the top ten.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

ASX uranium stock lifts off on enrichment agreement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What did management say?

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

Bittar continued:

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

Looking ahead, Bittar added:

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

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

This is because I believe it is well worth keeping a close eye on short interest levels as high levels can sometimes be a sign that something isn't quite right with a company.

With that in mind, here are the 10 most shorted shares on the ASX this week according to ASIC:

• Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) remains the most shorted ASX share despite its short interest easing to 15.2%. Short sellers appear to be doubting that the struggling pizza chain operator's turnaround strategy will succeed.
• Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) has short interest of 14.5%, which is down since last week. This radiopharmaceuticals company has faced delays gaining FDA approval for a couple of its therapies recently. Short sellers don't appear to believe a change is coming in 2026.
• Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV) has short interest of 14.2%, which is up again since last week. This may have been driven by valuation concerns with the medical device company's shares trading on high multiples.
• Guzman Y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) has short interest of 13.8%, which is up week on week. This burrito seller's shares have been under significant pressure since the release of its results last month which revealed that it is struggling in the United States market. This was supposed to be its largest growth opportunity.
• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) has short interest of 12%, which is up since last week. There are concerns over this uranium miner's production outlook beyond 2026.
• Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has seen its short interest fall meaningfully to 11.9%. It has been a tough period for this wine giant, which is battling consumer spending pressures and distributor disruption.
• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) has entered the top ten with short interest of 11.1%. It is one of a number of ASX uranium stocks being targeted by short sellers.
• Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) has short interest of 10.9%, which is up week on week again. Short sellers may believe the Middle East conflict will impact travel markets.
• DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has entered the top ten with 10.8% of its shares held short. Short sellers may believe this counter-drone technology company's shares are overvalued after surging over the past 12 months.
• IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL) has 10.2% of its shares held short, which is down week on week once again. Short sellers have been targeting this student placement and language testing company due to changes to visa rules in key markets.

The post These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ASX uranium stock tumbled into the red after completing a capital raising.

Is this a buying opportunity for investors looking for exposure to the chemical element? Let's see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about the miner.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter notes that Lotus Resources' capital raising was necessary to strengthen its balance sheet after a tough period. It believes the ASX uranium stock is now covered for the next nine months of operation. The broker explains:

LOT announced it had intended to raise A$76m via an institutional placement, and a further $5m via a SPP to support the ongoing ramp up of the Kayelekera uranium project. Production in 2Q of 70klbs U3O8 (drummed) was impacted by sulphuric acid availability (shortages) and logistical issues (transportation). LOT spent A$39m in capital over the quarter, finishing with A$56m in cash.

With the cash-flow conversion being further drawn out on delays to qualification testing from convertors (Orano, Cameco and Converdyn), cash was going to be tight heading into the end of CY26. The top up should see them through the next ~9 months of operations, barring any further disruptions.

While Bell Potter acknowledges that Lotus Resources is not quite out of the woods, it sees light at the end of the tunnel. It said:

Acid and power: The two key considerations targeted under the restart as being critical to lowering operating costs at Kayelekera. The acid plant should commence commissioning in the current quarter, which will reduce the overall dependence on imported sulphuric acid. The grid connection is scheduled for 4QCY26, which should also lower operating costs, which accounted for ~18% of Opex when Kayelekera previously operated.

Our current estimate of operating cash burn is ~A$16m pq going to A$37m pq at full capacity, meaning the business has ~$12m of operating expense runway. Capital projects remaining in the pipeline include the TSF lift and grid connection. With qualification for the three convertors coming to a protracted end, LOT will look for first shipments in June, with ~6 shipments commencing per quarter on a steady state basis. This should see cash receipts pick up in Sept-Dec, depending on the destination of the sale. LOT have contracted 1Mlbs for CY26, and we estimate production of 1.4Mlbs over the same period, as such, LOT has limited earnings leverage to the recent move in spot uranium prices.

Should you buy this ASX uranium stocks?

According to the note, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating with a trimmed price target of $3.70 (from $4.00).

Based on its current share price of $2.08, this implies potential upside of almost 80% over the next 12 months.

Though, given its speculative rating, this investment would only be suitable for investors with a high tolerance for risk.

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter said:

We make adjustments to our valuation, which includes adjusting for the recent 11.5:1 consolidation, and the increase in shares on issue assuming completion of the capital raise. Adjustments to timing and volume of sales (and cash receipts) have also been made. LOT are going through the ramp-up of Kayelekera, as such, financial performance is likely to be volatile and difficult to predict.

The post Why this ASX uranium stock could rocket almost 80% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The EOS share price was down 16% to $6.03 before being placed in a trading halt. This has been driven by a short seller report from Grizzly Research. The short seller has concerns over a Korean contract announcement. It said: "We find the statements that EOS made in the investor call dedicated to the new Korean contract announcements aggressively misleading, and sometimes bordering on outright lies." It also has doubts over a recent acquisition, adding: "Our research in the acquisition of MARSS by EOS in January 2026 uncovers a multitude of issues. We believe management has lied about past revenues and is misrepresenting the economic opportunity of this acquisition."

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is down 27% to $2.11. This morning, this uranium producer announced the completion of a $76 million institutional placement. These funds are being raised at $2.15 per new share, which represents a 25% discount to its last close price. The proceeds will be used to support the execution and completion of the acid plant and grid connection projects, which will optimise operating costs.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

The REA Group share price is down 9% to $165.58. Investors have been selling the property listings company's shares after its half-year result fell a touch short of expectations. REA posted a 5% increase in revenue to $916 million and a 9% lift in net profit after tax to $341 million. This was driven by a 14% increase in yield, partially offset by a 6% decline in national listings.

Web Travel Group Ltd (ASX: WEB)

The Web Travel share price is down 29% to $2.98. This follows news that the Special Delegation of the Balearic Islands of the Spanish Tax Agency has commenced an audit of Web Travel's Spanish subsidiary. It notes that the audit is reviewing the direct taxes paid and owed between April 2021 to March 2024, as well as indirect taxes for the period between January 2022 to December 2025. Whether this warrants such a sharp decline, time will tell.

The post Why EOS, Lotus Resources, REA, and Web Travel shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX uranium stock is down by a disappointing 30% to $2.00.

Lotus Resources owns an 85% interest in the Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Malawi, and 100% of the Letlhakane Uranium Project in Botswana.

Why is this ASX uranium stock crashing?

The catalyst for today's weakness has been news that the uranium producer has successfully completed its bookbuild for a non-underwritten placement to raise $76 million.

These funds are being raised at $2.15 per new share, which represents a 25% discount to its last close price.

Management advised that it received strong demand from both existing shareholders, as well as new overseas and domestic institutional investors.

In addition, broad weakness in the uranium industry has weighed on its shares. Fellow ASX uranium stocks Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) and Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) are both down over 7% at the time of writing.

Why is it raising funds?

The ASX uranium stock revealed that the funds will be used to support the execution and completion of the acid plant and grid connection projects, which will optimise operating costs.

In addition, the cash injection will support the typical ~5-6 month uranium working capital cycle, with potential for additional liquidity available via inventory pre-payment facilities which are under negotiation.

Commenting on the placement, the ASX uranium stock's managing director, Greg Bittar, said:

We are delighted with the support we have received from existing and new institutional shareholders, which provides us with an enhanced liquidity runway during ramp up to reach steady-state production and expected first shipment in Q2 CY2026.

The funding delivers a simplified, more flexible balance sheet, along with funding certainty as Kayelekera progresses to positive cash flow, and we are positioned to maximise exposure to potential uranium price upside.

The company will now push ahead with its share purchase plan, which is aiming to raise a further $5 million. However, with the offer price currently above its actual share price, demand for the share purchase plan may not be strong.

Unfortunately for shareholders, following today's sharp decline, the Lotus Resources share price has now given back all its annual gains and more. It is now down by approximately 27% since this time last year.

The post Why is this ASX uranium stock crashing 30%? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The halt will remain in place pending the release of a further announcement to the market, or until the start of trade on Monday, 9 February.

Lotus shares last traded at $2.88 on Wednesday before the halt. The stock is now up around 43% for the year amid improving sentiment across the uranium sector.

According to the ASX notice, the trading pause was requested while the company finalises and releases additional information.

What investors know so far

While the initial ASX trading halt notice contained limited detail, Lotus has since released further information. That update outlines a funding initiative linked to the ramp-up at its Kayelekera uranium operation in Malawi.

The company said it has launched a non-underwritten institutional placement to raise approximately $76 million, alongside plans for a Share Purchase Plan (SPP) of up to $5 million.

The funding is intended to provide added balance sheet flexibility as the company transitions toward steady state production.

New shares under the placement are priced at $2.15 each, representing a discount to the last closing price, and will rank equally with existing ordinary shares.

Why Lotus is raising now

Lotus holds an 85% interest in the Kayelekera uranium project, a former producer that restarted operations in August 2025.

The company is targeting production of around 200,000 pounds of U3O8 per month in Q2 CY2026, equivalent to approximately 2.4 million pounds per annum.

First shipment of uranium concentrate is expected during Q2, with first cash receipts targeted for Q3 CY2026.

Product qualification is progressing, with preliminary confirmation already received from one western converter. Final product acceptance is expected during February, which is a key step toward commencing regular exports.

Management said the funding will help support working capital needs, inventory build, and remaining commissioning activities, including completion of the acid plant and grid connection.

Favourable long-term sector tailwinds remain

The announcement comes amid strong long-term demand expectations for uranium.

Governments globally continue to back nuclear power as part of broader decarbonisation and energy security strategies.

Many countries are extending the life of existing reactors, approving new builds, and committing to higher nuclear capacity targets over the coming decades. This shift has tightened long-term supply expectations and supported uranium prices.

What investors will watch next

Investors will now be watching closely for the lifting of the trading halt. Attention will then turn to placement completion and any further operational updates from Kayelekera.

With funding visibility improving, execution over the coming months is likely to be the key driver of shareholder returns.

The post Why this ASX uranium miner's shares are frozen today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But which ASX uranium stocks are in the buy zone now?

Let's take a look at three that Bell Potter rates as buys:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

Bell Potter rates this beaten down ASX uranium stock as a buy with a $1.95 price target.

The broker feels that the market is being too negative on the uranium producer following its recent production update. Especially given how it could become a takeover target at current levels. It said:

We believe the stock is bubbling along the bottom of its trading range at the moment, creating an asymmetric risk profile should the review pan out positively. Alternatively, BOE may become a takeover target at current levels, with global uranium producer Orano seeking to diversify exposure from Niger and having experience in operating ISR projects in Kazakhstan.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

Another ASX uranium stock that Bell Potter is positive on is Paladin Energy. The broker has a buy rating and $12.50 on its shares.

Bell Potter thinks the market is overlooking its Patterson Lakes South project. It explains:

PDN is entering a period of relative stability, with rising uranium spot and term prices. As LHM production steadies, the market should gain comfort around performance. We believe the market is ascribing very little value to Patterson Lakes South (PLS), which provides upside as the project is de-risked. EPS changes in this report are: FY26 -69%, FY27 -29% and FY28 -6%

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

Finally, Bell Potter has a buy rating and 30 cents price target on this ASX uranium stock.

While the broker acknowledges that uranium restarts have been troublesome in recent years, Lotus has been doing well so far. And if this continues, it thinks it would be due a significant re-rating. It said:

If we have learnt anything about Uranium project restarts in the past 3-years, it's that anything that can go wrong, generally will. In the case of LOT, whilst we accept there may be teething issues, so far the business appears to be doing well. Our concerns around the cash conversion cycle remain. However, with A$74m in cash as of Nov-25 we anticipate the business can manage through this period. Should LOT make it through the next 6 months of operations unscathed, and buck the trend for Uranium restarts, we believe the market will warrant a re-rate in the business.

The post Bell Potter names the best ASX uranium stocks to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

During the Monday lunch hour, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is just about flat.

Paladin Energy shares, meanwhile, are surging 8.2%, trading for $10.96 apiece.

If we add in Friday's 5.6% gains, then the Paladin Energy share price has already gained 14.3% in this brand-new year. And this is a $5 billion company we're talking about.

Here's how some of the other top ASX uranium shares are performing:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares are up 3.6% today and up 10.7% since 31 December
• Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) shares are up 5.4% today and up 11.4% in 2026
• Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT) shares are up 9.2% today and up 15.5% this year
• Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN) shares are up 6.7% today and up 10.2% since 31 December

Here's what's sending the Aussie uranium miners soaring.

ASX uranium shares enjoying growing global demand

While Australia continues to drag its heels on developing nuclear energy stations for reliable baseload power, much of the rest of the world is ploughing ahead.

In November, for example, the United States reported its intentions to buy up to 10 new large scale nuclear reactors.

This latest surge in ASX uranium shares like Paladin Energy and Deep Yellow comes after investors learned that Duke Energy Corp (NYSE: DUK) had filed an early site permit application to build a new nuclear reactor in the US state of North Carolina.

Duke Energy this reflects its "strategic, ongoing commitment to thoroughly evaluate new nuclear generation options" to meet its customers increasing energy demand while reducing costs and risks.

Commenting on the application, Duke Energy North Carolina president Kendal Bowman said:

Nuclear energy has and will continue to play an essential role in powering communities in the Carolinas. Submitting an early site permit application is an important next step in assessing the potential for small modular reactors at the Belews Creek site.

Duke Energy said it has not yet made a final decision to build new nuclear units.

But Paladin Energy, Boss Energy and their rival ASX uranium shares look to be catching tailwinds with the US-based company reporting that it plans to add 600 megawatts of advanced nuclear to the system by 2037.

Management expects the first small modular reactor to come online in 2036.

The post Buying ASX uranium shares like Paladin Energy? Here's why they're starting 2026 with a bang! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's the view of analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), which are bullish on the uranium developer.

What is the broker saying?

Macquarie notes that Lotus Resources has been battling sulfuric acid supply issues, which is slowing the ramp up of the Kayelekera operation.

However, it was pleased to see that the company's acid plant is making good progress and will be onstream soon. It said:

LOT has experienced sulfuric acid supply issues from its Zambian supplier, which appears to be due to lower Zambia & Congo copper production, truck shortages and we expect also an element of demand pull from the gold sector. LOT now has a second supplier out of South Africa (10 days' drive) to supplement its Zambia contract (5 days' drive) which should help to stabilise its acid supply chain, however in any event LOT's relocated Kayelekera acid plant (now relocated to better ground) has made good progress and is due to onstream in February.

As a result of the above, Macquarie has pushed back its export expectations. It adds:

Given the slower ramp in December quarter (acid issues) and the time still required for product accreditation (by western converters), we push back first export to the June quarter 2026 (Apr-Jun) for modelling purposes. We acknowledge LOT may be able to enter into commercial arrangements (eg. physical swaps or loans) to bring this forward but at this stage we don't factor this in.

Should you buy this ASX uranium stock?

Macquarie remains positive on the uranium developer despite this little hiccup, noting that it doesn't materially impact its investment case.

According to the note, the broker has retained its outperform rating and 28 cents price target on Lotus Resources shares.

Based on its current share price of 17.2 cents, this implies potential upside of almost 65% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its outperform rating, Macquarie said:

Outperform. Delays to first sales at Kayelekera now validates LOT's decision to raise additional equity in September, in our view. Given the additional capital was already raised, the cut to production ramp doesn't materially alter the investment case.

Valuation: Our SOTP-based TP is overall unchanged. Catalysts: Uranium prices, Kayelekera offtake contracts, Kayelekera first shipment (late CY25), Letlhakane PFS (2HCY26).

The post Macquarie says this ASX uranium stock can rocket 65% in 2026 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 rising:

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

The BHP share price is up over 3% to $44.42. This has been driven by a strong night of trade for the copper price, which is lifting a number of miners today. The copper price hit a new all-time high of US$11,400 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange. This means the base metal has now risen by more than 30% since the start of the year. Its increased use in the energy transition has been behind its strong rise.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is up 3% to $1.89. This is despite there being no news out of the counter drone technology company. However, with its shares down heavily over the past month, it seems that some investors believe they have been oversold and are snapping them up. DroneShield shares remain down over 50% since this time last month. Bell Potter remains bullish and has a buy rating and lofty $5.30 price target on its shares.

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is up over 6% to 17 cents. This morning, this uranium producer released an update on its Kayelekera Mine in Malawi. Management advised that the processing plant achieved pleasing throughput and recovery levels in November. As a result, it continues to expect steady state operational production in the first quarter of 2026. Lotus' managing director, Greg Bittar, said: "Production for the planned operating time in November has been very pleasing and provides us with the confidence that nameplate throughput levels and other key production parameters can be achieved."

Nuix Ltd (ASX: NXL)

The Nuix share price is up almost 2% to $1.84. This follows news that the investigative analysis software provider is making an acquisition. Nuix has agreed to acquire Linkurious, which is a graph-powered AI decision platform, for up to 20 million euros (~A$35.4 million). Nuix's interim CEO, John Ruthven, said: The acquisition of Linkurious is an exciting accelerator for our strategic vision to enable our customers with insights from complex data at unparallelled speed and scale. This injection of graph-native expertise, proven link analysis technology and quality customers will allow us to bring immediate value to our customers.

The post Why BHP, DroneShield, Lotus Resources, and Nuix shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX uranium stock is up 9% to 17.5 cents.

Why is this ASX uranium stock jumping?

The catalyst for today's strong gain has been the release of a production update for the Kayelekera Mine in Malawi.

According to the release, in November, the processing plant achieved pleasing throughput and recovery levels.

As a result, management advised that steady state operational production level remains targeted for the first quarter of 2026.

One slight disappointment is that the initial ramp-up of processing in November and December has been impacted by sulphuric acid availability and supply chain challenges.

Management notes that the sulphuric acid supply issues have arisen due to production challenges in Zambia, which was the primary source of supply. The company has actively increased the number of suppliers contracted for the supply of sulphuric acid and additional supplies are now being sourced out of South Africa.

In addition, the ASX uranium stock's acid plant rebuild project will address these acid supply constraints. The acid plant rebuild remains on schedule, with commissioning expected to commence in early 2026. It will allow the production of sulphuric acid from sulphur, which is more reliably supplied.

The company has used the shutdown time to address routine plant commissioning items, undertake plant optimisation initiatives, and regular maintenance, which is supporting pleasing throughput and recovery levels.

It also advised that product qualification is progressing with its first shipment of product now expected to occur late in the first quarter of 2026 and full qualification with at least one converter expected early in 2026.

The ASX uranium stock remains in a strong position financially. It had a strong balance sheet at the end of November, with $73.9 million in cash.

Production confidence

Commenting on the company's progress at the Kayelekera Mine, Lotus' managing director, Greg Bittar, said:

Production for the planned operating time in November has been very pleasing and provides us with the confidence that nameplate throughput levels and other key production parameters can be achieved. We also continue to work with the converters and look forward to our first converter account being opened which we expect in early 2026. This then allows the final preparations for despatch of inventory from site.

The post Guess which ASX uranium stock is jumping 9% on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade on Thursday, the All Ords is up a welcome 1%.

Here's how these leading ASX uranium stocks are tracking at this same time:

• Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares are up 4% at $1.70
• Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) shares are up 8.1% at $1.73
• Paladin Energy shares are up 4.5% at $8.36
• Lotus Resources Limited (ASX: LOT) shares are up 4.6% at 17.3 cents
• Bannerman Energy Ltd (ASX: BMN) shares are up 5.7% at $3.18

Here's what's spurring ASX investor interest today.

ASX uranium stocks catching US tailwinds

The Aussie uranium miners are catching tailwinds on two fronts today. And both are blowing out of the United States.

First, the US Department of Energy announced that it will loan US$1 billion (AU$1.5 billion) to Constellation Energy to help fund the restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. That site was home to the worst nuclear accident in the US in 1979 when one of the units suffered a partial meltdown.

In welcome news for ASX uranium stocks like Paladin Energy, however, US President Donald Trump is an adamant supporter of nuclear energy and encourages its use to help power the rapid growth of AI data centres.

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) has contracted the Three Mile Island nuclear facility to power its own data centre expansions. The plant is scheduled to recommence operations in 2027.

Commenting on what he labelled the "American nuclear renaissance", US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said (quoted by Newsweek):

Constellation's restart of a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania will provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy to Americans across the Mid-Atlantic region. It will also help ensure America has the energy it needs to grow its domestic manufacturing base and win the AI race.

What other US nuclear news is fuelling investor optimism?

ASX uranium stocks, including Boss Energy, Paladin Energy, and Deep Yellow, are also getting a boost from news that the US intends to buy up to 10 new large-scale nuclear reactors.

In an interesting twist, Bloomberg reports the reactors may be paid for with part of Japan's US$550 billion pledge to fund US projects.

Energy Department chief of staff Carl Coe noted, "The role of having the government involved in private markets is sacrosanct — you just don't do it. But this is a national emergency."

The post Why are ASX uranium stocks like Paladin Energy going gangbusters on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's according to analysts at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), which are feeling very bullish on the ASX mining stock.

What did the broker say?

Macquarie was pleased to see that the uranium miner's Kayelekera operation has been processing stockpiled ore. It said:

Kayelekera mill has been processing stockpiled ore from its prior life (initially lower grade to reduce losses). Mining fleet mobilising and set to commence mining fresh ore in 4QCY25. Grid connection expected by end of CY26 (which cuts power costs by US$5-6/lb), and acid plant refurbishment targeting for 1QCY26 completion. LOT has confirmed the existing TSF can be expanded by 12.8Mt, supporting a 10-year operational life.

But arguably the biggest positive is that its metallurgical test work looks to have made its operation for economical. It adds:

Metallurgical test work has supported a 70% reduction in acid reduction (at the cost of a 6-8% reduction in uranium recovery vs A-Cap's 2015 technical study), which would enhance project economics. Infill & extension drilling has commenced (180 holes), targeting advancement of Inferred resources to Measured & Indicated. This will support the PFS, expected to complete in 2HCY26.

In light of the above, the broker has made a major upgrade to its earnings estimates for FY 2026. It said:

Our FY26e EPS estimate is +163% on capitalisation of Kayelekera production costs, and <1% downgrades thereafter on very minor cost adjustments.

Big potential returns for this ASX mining stock

According to the note, Macquarie has reaffirmed its outperform rating on the ASX mining stock with an improved price target of 28 cents.

Based on its current share price of 19.5 cents, this implies potential upside of approximately 44% between now and this time next year.

Commenting on its outperform recommendation, the broker said:

Outperform. LOT offers strong leverage to a rising uranium price via Kayelekera ramp and progress at Letlhakane.

Valuation: Our SOTP-based TP is +4% to $0.28/sh. Catalysts: Uranium prices, Kayelekera offtake contracts, Kayelekera first shipment (late CY25), Letlhakane PFS (2HCY26).

Overall, the broker appears to see Lotus Resources as a great option for investors that are looking for exposure to a uranium market that many are tipping to grow strongly in the future as demand for nuclear power increases to fuel the artificial intelligence boom.

The post Macquarie tips 40%+ upside for this ASX mining stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Atop the uranium miner's own growth potentials, part of the broker's bullish outlook stems from the recovery in uranium prices.

Uranium is currently trading for around US$77 per pound, up from recent lows of US$64 per pound in mid-March. Though that's down from US$84 per pound towards the end of September.

Looking ahead, Macquarie said, "We recently raised long-term uranium price assumptions to US$95/lb (previously US$85/lb), better reflecting marginal greenfield incentives."

Below, we examine three ASX All Ords uranium shares that Macquarie tips for strong outperformance, as well as one the broker is more neutral on.

ASX All Ords uranium shares in the spotlight

First up, we have Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE).

Boss Energy shares are up 1.5% in late morning trade on Monday, trading for $1.69 each. Despite that boost, the Boss Energy share price remains down a painful 50.6% over 12 months.

Macquarie expects a much better performance from the ASX All Ords uranium share in the year ahead. But the broker maintained its neutral rating on Boss Energy as the market waits for greater clarity on Boss' uranium resource at its Honeymoon project in South Australia.

According to Macquarie:

Significant uncertainty remains ahead of the Honeymoon resource & wellfield strategy outcomes in the coming weeks (with a focus on wellfield development & productivity from 2027 & beyond). For now, we factor in increased capex and anticipated dilution from another small equity raise (to attempt to maintain 1.6-1.7Mlbs p.a.).

Our EPS are -10%/-9%/-4% in FY26e/27e/28e on lower production, higher sustaining capex & expanded share count more than offsetting the higher uranium price assumption.

Macquarie dropped its 12-month price target on Boss Energy shares by 14% to $1.80. Though that still represents a potential upside of 6.5% from current levels.

Which brings us to ASX All Ords uranium share Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL).

The Deep Yellow share price is down 1.5% today at $1.66. Deep Yellow shares remain up 18.2% over 12 months.

And Macquarie tips the uranium miner to outperform in the year ahead, while cautioning that management succession "may drive delays".

According to the broker:

Our EPS are +0.2cps in FY26e on delayed Tumas FID (ie. financing costs), largely unchanged in FY27e and -4.7cps in FY28e on delayed Tumas start-up (flipping from 2.1cps profit to -2.6cps loss).

In light of this, Macquarie reduced its 12-month price target for Deep Yellow shares by 5% to $1.95 a share "on pushback of both Tumas & Mulga Rock by around 1 year (allowing for management succession & project reviews), partly offset by increased the uranium price".

That represents a potential upside of 17.5% from current levels.

Also tipped for strong outperformance

Macquarie also expects a strong year ahead for Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares.

The ASX All Ords uranium share is up 2% today, trading for $8.57. Paladin Energy shares remain down 17.2% over 12 months.

Factoring in Paladin's strong share purchase plan (SPP uptake), Macquarie noted:

PDN upsized the SPP significantly based on strong retail investor uptake (A$100m vs A $20m initially planned). Our EPS are -1.5%/-2%/-2% in FY26e/27e/28e on the additional share count stemming from the SPP…

At current levels, PDN's share price implies US$65/lb into perpetuity (across Namibia & Canada), and US$70/lb if Australia assets and Michelin were excluded. We believe this is a stand-out given new management, recently established balance sheet headroom, LHM process plant stability (and mining phase ramp-up underway), and provincial approval for PLS likely just around the corner.

Macquarie has a 12-month price target of $11.10 on Paladin Energy, or 29.5% above current levels.

And the ASX All Ords uranium share that Macquarie expects to deliver the biggest one-year gains is Lotus Resources Limited (ASX: LOT).

The Lotus Resources share price is flat at the time of writing at 19 cents. Shares are down 31.5% over 12 months.

Commenting on its outperform rating, Macquarie noted that Lotus Resources has "good leverage to higher uranium prices".

The broker said, "Our EPS are +76% in FY26e (noting low base effect), +17%/+13%/+11% in FY27e/28e/29e all on the higher uranium price assumption."

Macquarie lifted its price target for the ASX All Ords uranium share by 3.8% to 27 cents a share. That's 42.1% above the current share price.

The post 4 ASX All Ords uranium shares Macquarie tips for gains of 7% to 42% 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:

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4D Medical share price is rocketing again on Friday and up a further 29% to $1.69. This respiratory imaging technology company's shares have now more than doubled in value since this time last week. The catalyst for this has been news that its ventilation-perfusion product, CT:VQ, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance. In addition, a second announcement revealed that the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have confirmed that reimbursement for the software falls under Category III Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 0721T and 0722T, and will be paid at US$650.50 per scan, effective immediately.

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is up 4% to 18.7 cents. This uranium producer's shares are rebounding today after crashing on Thursday following the completion of a major capital raising. The company raised A$65 million or US$42 before costs via a non-underwritten placement at a discount of 19 cents per new share. In response to the news, this morning Ord Minnett retained its speculative buy rating on its shares with a trimmed price target of 35 cents.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan Energy share price is up 8% to $3.98. This morning, this lithium developer announced that it has signed a supply contract with Canadian electrochemistry company, NORAM Electrolysis Systems (NESI). This will see it become the exclusive electrolysis technology supplier for Vulcan's Phase One Lionheart Project. Vulcan Energy's CEO, Cris Moreno, commented: "The signing of the contract with NESI is an important step ahead of the construction of our Central Lithium Plant. Our partnership with NESI to date has been key to our success at CLEOP, and its technology is a global leader in producing lithium hydroxide through electrolysis. This is yet another milestone in our aim to deliver a local, low-cost source of sustainable lithium for European EV batteries."

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is up almost 1.5% to $158.99. This also appears to have been driven by the release of a bullish broker note out of Ord Minnett this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the cloud accounting platform provider's shares to a buy rating with a $200.00 price target. It believes Xero is positioned to achieve its lofty revenue growth targets.

The post Why 4DMedical, Lotus Resources, Vulcan Energy, and Xero shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

The Catalyst Metals share price is down 8.5% to $7.44. This appears to have been caused by a combination of weakness in the gold sector and the release of a broker note out of Morgans. In respect to the latter, the broker has downgraded Catalyst Metals shares to an accumulate rating (from buy) but with an improved price target of $9.26. The broker is a big fan of the gold miner but made the move on valuation grounds.

Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT)

The Lotus Resources share price is down 20% to 18 cents. This morning, this uranium producer announced that it has successfully completed its bookbuild for a non-underwritten placement to raise approximately A$65 million/US$42 million before costs. Management advised that the placement was undertaken to further strengthen working capital for its recently restarted Kayelekera Uranium Project in Malawi and the advance development of its Letlhakane Project in Botswana. These funds were raised at a discount of 19 cents per new share. Lotus CEO Greg Bittar commented: "After achieving first production at Kayelekera on budget and on schedule in Q3, we now look to ramp up operations to steady-state production. At the same time, we are investing in value enhancing initiatives such as the electricity grid connection, the accelerated build of the tailings storage facility and the owner operated mining fleet."

NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF)

The NIB share price is down over 2% to $7.29. The catalyst for this has been the health insurer's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its latest payout. Last month, the company released its full year results for FY 2025 and declared a fully franked final dividend of 16 cents per share. This will now be paid to eligible shareholders next month on 7 October.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS)

The Woodside Energy share price is down almost 2% to $25.46. This appears to have been driven by a pullback in oil prices overnight. Traders were selling oil amid reports that OPEC could be looking to increase its production again, which would boost supply and potential weigh on oil prices in the near term.

The post Why Catalyst Metals, Lotus Resources, NIB, and Woodside shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's according to a new research report from the team at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG).

Lotus Resources shares are currently valued at 22.5 cents apiece.

And they won't be going anywhere today.

The ASX 300 uranium stock entered a trading halt this morning after posting a three-day share price gain of 21.6%. Lotus Resources requested the trading halt pending an announcement regarding a capital raise.

Shares are expected to resume trading no later than Friday.

Despite the big run higher over the last three trading days, Lotus Resources shares remain down 2.2% over the past 12 months.

But if Macquarie has it right, the year ahead should be much more rewarding for shareholders.

Here's why.

ASX 300 uranium stock kicks off yellowcake production

The Lotus Resources share price rocketed 10.0% on Monday after the miner reported that it had produced the first U3O8 (yellowcake) from its 85% owned Kayelekera Uranium Mine, located in Malawi.

This marked the first yellowcake at Kayelekera since the project was put on care and maintenance by its previous owner in 2014.

Management said this was the final key step in Kayelekera's successful processing plant commissioning. Lotus Resources plans to ramp up the project's uranium production to 2.4 million pounds of yellowcake a year in the first quarter of 2026.

That represents a steady-state production level of 200,000 pounds per month.

Commenting on the maiden production news that sent the ASX 300 uranium stock soaring on Monday, Lotus Resources managing director Greg Bittar said, "We are positioned to join the ranks of global uranium producers with the first yellowcake from Kayelekera."

Bittar added:

We can now commence sending our yellowcake to the converters for qualification. Samples are expected to be dispatched in the coming weeks. While these qualification and account reopening processes are finalised, we will continue to focus on ramping up production and building inventory in anticipation of our first uranium shipment later this year.

Why Macquarie expects Lotus Resources shares to outperform

Commenting on Monday's announcement that sent the ASX 300 uranium stock up 10%, Macquarie said:

On the eve of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) conference week in London, LOT announced first drum of uranium from the restarted Kayelekera processing plant in Malawi. It expects to achieve first sales by year-end (i.e., December quarter) via Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania (i.e., different route to the Walvis Bay route taken previously by Paladin when the asset was originally developed).

The broker maintained its outperform rating on Lotus Resources shares but dropped its target price to 35 cents a share from 38 cents a share.

Still, that represents a potential upside of 55.6% from current levels.

Connecting the dots on its bullish outlook for the ASX 300 uranium stock, Macquarie said:

LOT remains the cheapest producing uranium stock in our coverage (on DCF [discounted cash flow] implied price); we believe a re-rating vs peers (closing the gap) should occur as Kayelekera proves its ramp up, delivery & cashflow.

The post Macquarie expects this ASX 300 uranium stock to surge 56%. Here's why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

One stock that appears to have missed the memo is Lotus Resources Ltd (ASX: LOT).

The uranium developer's shares are down 15% since the start of the year.

As a comparison, Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares are up 46% and Deep Yellow Ltd (ASX: DYL) shares are up 50% in 2025.

While this is disappointing, the team at Bell Potter believes it could have created a very attractive buying opportunity for investors with a high tolerance of risk.

What is the broker saying about this ASX uranium stock?

Bell Potter highlights that Lotus Resources is getting closer to producing its first uranium from the Kayelekera Uranium mine.

And while things are looking tight, the broker believes that the ASX uranium stock should have enough cash to see it through to positive cash flow generation. It said:

The target for first production in the Sep-Q is likely to be met, subject to teething issues within the plant. Ore will be sourced from stockpiles initially (through to Oct), with the delay through the plant being ~2 weeks from first ore feed. Assuming commissioning of the remainder of the plant in mid-Aug with stockpiled ore, this should see production commence in early to mid-Sept.

The US$48.5m in working capital facilities should be sufficient to cover cash requirements during ramp up, however this is dependent upon the extent of any issues during the ramping phase, and successful qualification from the converters allowing for a speedy turn around in cashflow.

Time to buy

In light of the above, the broker believes that investors should be buying the ASX uranium stock.

As a result, it has reaffirmed its speculative buy rating and 35 cents price target on its shares. Based on its current share price of 17.2 cents, this implies potential upside of 103% over the next 12 months.

Bell Potter believes the market is sceptical on the restart of the Kayelekera Uranium mine. So, if management delivers on its targets, it could put a rocket under its shares. It concludes:

Our valuation and recommendation remain unchanged heading into first production. We believe the market is sceptical of the restart, and partially rightly so, given the issues experienced across the space over the last 12 months. Should LOT demonstrate a successful restart and commence processing of fresh ore, we believe this would be the catalyst for re-rate. At current prices, we estimate LOT is implying a long-term price of US$73/lb, which compares to their average contracted price of ~$80/lb.

The post Why this ASX uranium stock could rocket 100%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.