By the time the closing bell rang, the index had lost a flat 1%, leaving it at 8,920.8 points.

The American markets were closed last night for the Labor Day holiday, so Friday's losses are our last point of reference. Let's see what they do later tonight.

So let's get back to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors traversed the tough trading conditions that we saw this Tuesday.

Winners and losers

Despite the broader market's sharp drop, there were a few sectors that escaped with a rise.

But first, it was consumer discretionary stocks that copped the worst of it this Tuesday. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) had an awful time, plunging 1.88%.

Tech shares weren't much better, with the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) cratering 1.76%.

Financial stocks were also in that ballpark. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up diving 1.63%.

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) weren't popular either, evident by the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ)'s 1.46% slump.

Consumer staples shares were no safe haven. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) retreated 1.31% this session.

Nor were industrial stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) sinking 0.74%.

Communications shares were right behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) dipped 0.73% this Tuesday.

Mining stocks couldn't escape the selling, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 0.57% slide.

The same can be said for our last losers, gold shares. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) ended up slipping 0.22%.

Let's get to the green sectors now. At the front of that line were utilities stocks, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) jumping 0.59% today.

Healthcare stocks displayed some strong vitals too. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) ended up galloping 0.45% higher.

Finally, energy stocks got over the line, as you can see from the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ)'s 0.22% improvement.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

Gold stock Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI) was our best index performer this Tuesday. Predictive shares beat out some uninspired competition to close 3.76% higher at $4.69.

Despite this market-bucking gain, there wasn't any fresh news out from the company to explain it.

Here's how the other winners pulled up at the kerb this session:

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Despite yesterday's green day breaking a six-day losing run, the pessimists were back in charge once more this Friday, with the index opening lower and staying in red territory all session. By the time trading wrapped up, the ASX 200 had lost 0.27%. That leaves the index at 9,058.9 points as we head into the weekend.

This rough end to the trading week for the local markets came after an even bleaker night across the Pacific on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was hit hard, dropping a hefty 1.32%

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did a little better than that, but still lost a flat 1% of its value.

But let's get back to ASX shares now and examine how this Friday's negativity spilled over into the different ASX sectors.

Winners and losers

Despite the market's retreat this session, there were still a few sectors that made hay.

But first, it was real estate investment trusts (REITs) that were first to the torch. The S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) was thumped today, cratering by 2.4%.

Consumer discretionary shares were slammed as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) tanking 1.82%.

Healthcare stocks weren't popular either. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) took a 1.79% plunge this Friday.

Tech shares also had a day to forget, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ)'s 1.36% dive.

Consumer staples stocks were no safe haven. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ) shrank by 0.42%.

Our last losers today were industrial shares, with the S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) slipping 0.03%.

Turning to the winners now, it was gold stocks that shone the brightest. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) recorded another 1.41% jump this session.

Communications shares were a little tamer, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ)'s 0.32% lift.

Energy stocks were dead even with that. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) also added 0.32% to its total.

In a rare three-way tie, utilities shares matched that figure too, with the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) advancing 0.32% as well.

Financial stocks stayed on investors' good side too. The S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) ended up climbing 0.23% today.

Finally, mining shares managed to record a small rise, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)'s 0.17% bump.

Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

It was NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH) that topped the index chart this Friday. NRW shares roared 8.04% higher to close the week at $8.20 each.

There wasn't any news out from the company today, but NRW did drop its earnings yesterday, which still seems to be exciting investors.

Here's the rest of today's best:

Enjoy the weekend!

Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did NRW Holdings report?

• Revenue rose 31.4% to $4.3 billion (FY25: $3.3 billion)
• Underlying EBITA climbed 38.8% to $288.6 million
• Underlying NPAT up 43.6% to $182.7 million
• Fully franked final dividend of 14.5 cents per share, up 53%
• Underlying EBITA margin increased to 6.7% from 6.4%
• Fredon acquisition added new earnings pillar EMIT

What else do investors need to know?

NRW's impressive result reflects growth across all divisions as well as a nine-month contribution from acquired company Fredon. This acquisition formed the company's fourth operating segment, EMIT, increasing exposure to promising sectors like health, defence and data centres.

Mining produced stronger profits after improved productivity and reduced weather impacts in Queensland. Meanwhile, the civil segment kept steady margins despite softer resource construction demand in some regions.

The company finished the year with $7.5 billion in secured revenue and a future work pipeline worth $29.1 billion, including $11.1 billion in active tenders. Refinancing of bank facilities in July 2026 has further strengthened NRW's balance sheet.

What's next for NRW Holdings?

Looking ahead, NRW expects revenue of $4.6 billion–$4.8 billion and underlying EBITA of $320–$330 million in FY27, with around 85% of revenue already secured. The business will continue targeting growth across resources, energy transition, defence, infrastructure and data centre markets.

Thanks to a wider set of operating segments and a robust balance sheet, NRW aims to pursue further acquisitions and maintain disciplined capital allocation, supporting its competitive edge in attractive long-term sectors.

NRW Holdings share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, NRW shares have risen 104%, significantly outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

View Original Announcement

The post NRW reports record FY26 earnings, strong FY27 outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did NRW Holdings report?

• Golding Contractors awarded civil works contracts at Yarrabilba and Shoreline residential estates in Southeast Queensland.
• Total contract value is approximately $130 million.
• Shoreline works to finish by July 2027; Yarrabilba by March 2028.
• Golding has delivered over 3,200 lots at Yarrabilba since 2017, supporting Queensland's housing market.
• Projects include intersection and bridge upgrades, new subdivisions, shopping precincts, and school infrastructure.

What else do investors need to know?

NRW's win strengthens its long-term relationship with Stockland, one of Australia's largest property developers. The new scope covers broad-scale infrastructure and subdivision work in rapidly growing regions, tapping into ongoing housing demand.

The company's diverse services continue to drive project wins across civil, mining, and urban development. NRW's strong footprint across Queensland and an expanding project book reinforce its position in the infrastructure sector.

What did NRW Holdings management say?

CEO and Managing Director of NRW Holdings Jules Pemberton said:

I am delighted to announce the award of these two civil works contracts. These awards further strengthen Golding's long-standing relationship with Stockland. Since we commenced working in Yarrabilba in October 2017, we have delivered more than 3,200 residential and commercial lots, providing necessary support to the Queensland housing market.

What's next for NRW Holdings?

NRW will focus on delivering the Yarrabilba and Shoreline projects to schedule, leveraging its experience in major residential civil works. The company continues to pursue new contract opportunities across Australia and abroad in civil, mining, and industrial engineering.

NRW's expanding order book and multi-sector operations signal ongoing opportunities in government, housing, and infrastructure markets. Investors will be watching for further contract announcements and updates on its progress.

NRW Holdings share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, NRW Holdings shares have risen 114%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post NRW Holdings: Golding wins $130m Queensland civil contracts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meantime, brokers have identified some stocks they think are good buys for the new financial year.

Let's check them out.

ASX shares raised to strong buy status for FY27

The following stocks have been recently upgraded to 'strong buy' consensus ratings among analysts on the CommSec platform.

A consensus rating is the average rating based on the opinions of multiple analysts.

4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

The 4DMedical share price is $3.17, down 3.2% on Tuesday.

This ASX All Ords healthcare share soared 1,244% over the past 12 months.

Philippe Bui from Medallion Financial Group has a buy rating on 4DMedical shares.

He commented this week (courtesy The Bull):

The company is well capitalised and we remain content holders at current levels given several potentially positive catalysts.

Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The Droneshield share price is $1.78, down 14% today.

The ASX All Ords industrials stock has lost 40% of its value over 12 months.

Canaccord Genuity is among the brokers with a buy recommendation on this defence company.

The broker has a price target of $3.75, implying a potential 110% upside on this current price in FY27.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)

The Kingsgate share price is currently $4.16, down 2.12% on Tuesday.

The ASX All Ords gold share is up 72% over 12 months.

Canaccord Genuity has a buy rating on Kingsgate shares with a 12-month target of $8.10.

This suggests the stock could almost double over the new financial year.

Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)

This All Ords lithium share was among the 5 best-performing stocks of FY26, rising 327%.

Elevra has a globally diversified portfolio of mines and development projects across Québec, North Carolina, Ghana, and Western Australia.

The company was formed through the merger of Piedmont Lithium and Sayona Mining.

The miner's flagship project is the North American Lithium Project. 

Macquarie is among the brokers with a buy call on this ASX All Ords mining share.

The broker sets a $14.50 target for this stock, implying a potential 91% upside in FY27.

Dexus Industria REIT (ASX: DXI)

This real estate investment trust (REIT) is trading at $2.49 apiece, up 1.84%.

The Dexus Industria REIT share price has declined 9% over the past year.

MA Financial Group is among the brokers with a buy call.

MA Financial gives Dexus Industria stock a 12-month share price target of $3.30.

This implies a potential 33% upside from here.

NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH)

The NWH share price is $7.16, down 2.2% today.

The ASX All Ords industrial share has risen 123% over 12 months.

Morgans is among the brokers with a buy call on NRW shares.

Looking ahead to the August reporting season, the broker said:

We expect strong FY26 earnings with our forecast ($284m) slightly ahead of VA consensus ($281m) and towards the upper end of guidance ($275-285m).

For FY27, we expect NWH to guide ahead of consensus (MorgansF $315m vs consensus $308m).

Morgans lifted its 12-month target from $6.60 to $8, which suggests a potential 12% upside in FY27.

The post 6 ASX shares lifted to strong buy consensus status for FY27 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Top broker Morgans has issued new research notes on three ASX All Ords shares.

Let's take a look at what the broker has to say and its new 12-month price targets.

NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH)

The NWH share price is $7.06, down 0.6% today and up 119% over 12 months.

Morgans describes this ASX All Ords industrial share as a "key pick" ahead of the August reporting season.

The broker said:

We expect strong FY26 earnings with our forecast ($284m) slightly ahead of VA consensus ($281m) and towards the upper end of guidance ($275-285m).

For FY27, we expect NWH to guide ahead of consensus (MorgansF $315m vs consensus $308m).

Importantly, the capex cycle in resources shows signs of accelerating with two major projects across gallium (Alcoa) and lithium (Covalent) approved in the last week alone, following last month's announcement that PLS is committing pre-FID capex in anticipation of P2000.

We leave our FY26 forecasts unchanged but increase FY27-28 EBITA by +4%.

Morgans retained its buy rating on NRW shares and lifted its 12-month target price from $6.60 to $8.

This suggests a potential 13% upside from here.

Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG)

The Generation Development Group share price is $4.44, down 3.1% today and down 19% over 12 months.

The diversified financial services business released its 4Q FY26 update this week.

The company reported a 36% increase in group funds under management (FUM) to $46.4 billion over FY26.

Investors loved the numbers, with the ASX All Ords financial share soaring 36% on the news.

Morgans said:

We saw this as a strong result highlighted by record Investment Bond sales, and importantly, Evidentia beating expectations after a run of consecutive misses.

We lift our GDG EPS by +1%-5% over the forecast period, on higher sales and FUM expectations in both key divisions.

Morgans retained its buy rating and raised its target from $6.28 to $6.89.

This suggests a potential 55% upside over the next 12 months.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

The South32 share price is $4.60, down 1.4% today and up 47% over 12 months.

In its 4Q FY26 update this week, South32 said it had exceeded FY26 production guidance and increased quarterly sales volumes by 15%.

Morgans said: 

A strong finish to FY26, with Sierra Gorda, Cannington, both manganese units and the Brazilian operations all beating full-year production guidance.

Cannington was the big swing factor, jumping 29% qoq on restored mining rates and higher grades.

Group sales rose 15% qoq as rail access returned at Cannington and manganese/Mozal stockpiles were sold down, with a ~US$200m 2H26 working capital release flagged (vs a US$130m 1H build), a strong set-up for the August result alongside lower capex sunk.

Morgans maintained its accumulate rating on the ASX All Ords mining share. 

The broker has a 12-month target of $4.60, which suggests limited upside from here.

The post Morgans recommends 3 ASX shares to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rose by 2.77% and provided total gross returns (including dividends) of 7% in FY26.

Thirteen ASX 200 shares doubled in value — or better — over the 12 months.

Three of them were ASX 200 gold miners, which benefited from an 18% rise in the gold price last year.

Four were lithium miners, which generated turbocharged earnings amid a 278% lift in the spodumene price and a 160% rise in the carbonate price over FY26.

While healthcare was the worst-performing sector, the ASX 200's fastest rising stock came from it and blasted 1,786% higher!

Let's check out this group of ASX 200 double baggers for FY26.

Double-baggers of FY26

1. 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX)

This ASX healthcare share skyrocketed 1,786% in FY26 to close out the year at $4.53.

The respiratory imaging technology company gained US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its CT:VQ product in September 2025.

CT:VQ has since been deployed at several well-known academic hospitals and clinics.

One broker thinks there is more room to run for 4DMedical shares in FY27.

2. Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)

This ASX 200 gold share ripped 508% to finish FY26 at 73 cents.

Minerals 260 is building the Bullabulling Gold Project near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields region.

3. Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV)

This ASX 200 lithium share flew 327% to $9.60 over FY26.

Elevra has a globally diversified portfolio of mines and projects across Québec, North Carolina, Ghana, and Western Australia.

4. PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS)

This fellow ASX lithium share leapt 275% to close out FY26 at $5.02.

The company's flagship project is Pilgangoora, the world's largest independent hard-rock lithium mine.

Formerly known as Pilbara Minerals, PLS Group was the best performer among the ASX 200 large-cap shares last year.

5. Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

The Electro Optic Systems share price increased 261% to close the year at $10.30.

This made Electro Optic the best-performing stock of the industrials sector in FY26.

The company specialises in defence technology, advanced weapon systems, and counter-drone solutions.

6. Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price rose 188% in FY26.

The ASX large-cap mining share finished the year at $62.07.

Value investors returned to Mineral Resources after corporate governance and financial problems crushed the stock in FY25.

Mineral Resources reported its best half-year result ever for 1H FY26. The miner reported record revenue of $3.1 billion and EBITDA of $1.2 billion due to rising lithium prices and the successful ramp-up of its Onslow iron ore project.

7. NRW Holdings Limited (ASX: NWH)

This ASX 200 industrials share soared 149% to finish the year at $7.44.

8. Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

This ASX 200 lithium share rose 142% to finish the year at $1.69.

For 1H FY26, Liontown reported doubled revenue after a 70% lift in spodumene production.

In 3Q FY26, Liontown became cash flow positive and hit its 1.5Mtpa annualised underground run-rate ahead of schedule.

9. SRG Global Ltd (ASX: SRG)

This ASX 200 industrials share rose 136% to finish the year at $3.98.

10. Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA)

This ASX 200 tech share lifted 119.5% to finish the year at $44.14.

ASX 200 tech shares tanked in FY26, with only four finishing the year in the green.

11. Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)

This ASX 200 gold share rose 119% to finish the year at $4.95.

12. Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)

This ASX 200 rare earths share increased 115% to close out the year at $18.06.

An 80% lift in the neodymium price, and restricted rare earths exports out of China helped Lynas shares grow in FY26.

13. Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX: ALK)

This ASX 200 gold share rose 92% to finish the year at $1.37.

The post 13 ASX 200 shares that doubled in value in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After kicking off the trading week on a positive note yesterday, investors couldn't keep up the momentum, with the index opening in the red this morning and staying that way all session. By the time the markets closed up shop, the ASX 200 had lost 0.39% and finished up at 8,657.8 points.

The US markets were closed for the Memorial Day public holiday last night, so the small gains we saw 'Stateside last Friday are still holding.

So, without further ado, it's now time to take stock of how the various ASX sectors fared amid today's frosty trading conditions.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The contractor's shares are up 2.08% to $7.35 on Tuesday after the company announced a fresh batch of project wins.

It has already been a massive period for shareholders.

NRW shares have gained around 42% in 2026 and about 164% over the past year, putting the stock among the stronger performers on the ASX.

Here's what was in the update.

Fredon locks in new work

According to the release, NRW's wholly owned subsidiary Fredon has secured a suite of contracts across Victoria and Western Australia.

The contracts have a combined value of about $120 million.

Fredon provides electrical, communications, technology, and maintenance services across infrastructure, resources, commercial, and industrial markets.

The work is spread across several projects, rather than being tied to just one large contract.

It also spreads the risk and gives Fredon exposure to a mix of data centres, hospitals, student accommodation, and commercial infrastructure.

What the contracts cover

The biggest part of the update is tied to an existing data centre project in Leederville.

Fredon has secured an additional $9 million electrical package on the project, lifting its total contract value there to about $55 million. Completion is expected in August 2027.

The company has also won a $26 million electrical and communications package for the Bunbury Hospital redevelopment in Western Australia. NRW said the project will deliver one of the most modern hospital facilities in regional Australia, with work due to begin in April 2026.

Fredon has picked up a $16 million electrical, communications, ICT, and security package for a University of Western Australia project in Nedlands. Construction on the 14-storey development started in October 2025 and is scheduled to finish in June 2027.

It has also secured a $10 million electrical and security package at the 609 Wellington Street student accommodation project in Perth. The development will provide 835 student beds and is due to be completed in June 2027.

Why the work is getting noticed

NRW has long been known for its mining and civil infrastructure work, but Fredon adds another source of contract revenue.

Today's update shows the group is also picking up work across areas outside traditional mining activity.

Hospitals, data centres, student accommodation, and commercial buildings all require large, complex electrical and technology packages.

Fredon CEO Scott Olsen said the awards reflect the business' ability to deliver critical infrastructure projects in live operating environments across Australia.

NRW chief executive Jules Pemberton said the contracts highlight Fredon's diversity and strength in regional communities.

After such a strong share price run, investors will still be watching whether NRW can keep adding work at attractive margins.

The stock now has a market cap of about $3.4 billion and trades on a high price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 70.

The post This ASX 200 stock is up 164% in a year and still winning work appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This impressive showing from the local markets comes after a similarly jubilant night over on the American boards.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was on fire last night, shooting 1.2% higher.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even hotter, rising 2.02%.

But let's return ot the ASX now and check out how today's optimism filtered down into the different ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After staying comfortably in green territory all day, the ASX 200 ended up closing a solid 1.3% higher, leaving the index at 8,793.6 points.

This happy hump day for ASX investors follows a similarly upbeat night over on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in fine form, rising 0.73%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, gaining 1.03%.

But let's get back to the ASX now though and dive a little deeper into what was happening amongst the various ASX sectors navigated today's tough trading conditions.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After falling for eight straight sessions in a row, the ASX 200 finally turned a corner today, with investors clearly deciding enough was enough. By the time trading wrapped up, the index had gained 0.74%, leaving it at 8,729.8 points as we head into the weekend.

This stellar end to the trading week for the local markets comes after a euphoric night on Wall Street.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was off to the races, rising a confident 1.62%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was slightly less enthusiastic, but managed a respectable 0.89% jump regardless.

Let's return to the ASX now and examine how today's market optimism percolated down into the different ASX sectors this session.

Winners and losers

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the NRW share price is up 1.68% to $6.07. That move leaves the stock ahead roughly 145% over the past 12 months, placing it among the better performers in the industrials sector.

The latest move comes after a fresh update released to the market today.

Here's what was announced.

Fresh contract wins add to workload visibility

According to the release, NRW's wholly owned subsidiary, Fredon, has secured a series of new electrical and mechanical contracts with a combined value of around $160 million.

The largest component is an electrical package tied to a major Commonwealth infrastructure project in Northern Australia, valued at about $110 million.

Work is expected to be completed by mid-2028.

There is also a $23 million design and construct contract linked to the Festival Towers project in Adelaide. This follows around 12 months of early contractor involvement work, with completion targeted for 2028.

Another contract includes a $24 million mechanical package for a joint venture hospital project in South Australia, with completion expected around mid-2027.

Additional wins include a $5 million electrical contract for bus charging infrastructure in South Australia, as well as work on charging systems at the Oakleigh bus depot in Victoria.

Diversification remains a key part

NRW has built its growth profile across several end markets, including mining services, civil construction, and infrastructure.

The latest contract awards show its engineering and maintenance division continuing to pick up work outside traditional resources exposure.

Management noted the mix of contracts reflects demand across infrastructure and renewables-linked activity, particularly where specialised electrical capabilities are required.

This diversification has reduced reliance on commodity cycles and supported more consistent earnings.

Strong run backed by project delivery

NRW's share price has trended higher over the past year as the company continues to deliver regular project wins and maintain a strong order book.

The stock is now trading toward the upper end of its recent range, with investors still backing delivery across its core divisions.

With multiple projects stretching out over several years, revenue visibility has improved, which supports higher valuation multiples.

Foolish takeaway

NRW is not relying on one project or one cycle. Work is coming through across infrastructure, energy, and essential services, which gives earnings a more stable base.

After a 145% run, a lot of the easy upside has already been captured. But the steady flow of new contracts and a multi-year pipeline still point to earnings growth from here.

This usually comes down to delivery. If projects keep moving on time and margins hold, the share price can keep moving higher.

The post Why this $2.8 billion ASX stock is climbing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to build on this on Thursday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 set to fall

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Thursday despite a good night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 24 points or 0.25% lower this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 2.85%, the S&P 500 jumped 2.5% and the Nasdaq stormed 2.8% higher.

CSL shares given hold rating

Bell Potter still thinks it is too early to buy CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares. This morning, the broker has retained its hold rating on the biotherapeutics giant's shares with a $155.00 price target (from $175.00). It said: "The current share price reflects a materially de-rated PE multiple of ~15x our FY27 NPAT forecast, bringing CSL in line with the global biopharma peer set which also trades at an avg PE of 15x. While CSL doesn't face the same extent of generic/biosimilar competition as these biopharma peers, it does have a lower growth outlook of ~2.5% revenue CAGR (3yr) per our forecast compared to >4% avg for global peers."

Oil prices sink

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a subdued session on Thursday after oil prices crashed overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 14.6% to US$96.42 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 12% to US$96.19 a barrel. This has been driven by the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

Dividend payday

Today is payday for shareholders of a number of ASX 200 shares. This includes CSL, Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM), Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB), Brambles Ltd (ASX: BXB), SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH), Atlas Arteria Group (ASX: ALX), and NRW Holdings Limited (ASX: NWH). CSL will be rewarding its shareholders with a $1.81 per share dividend later today.

Gold price lifts

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Thursday after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 1.3% to US$4,748.1 an ounce. Traders appear to believe that falling oil prices could limit interest rate hikes, which would be good news for the precious metal.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In Australia and globally, several powerful themes are driving investment. Electrification is reshaping energy systems, requiring significant spending on transmission infrastructure, renewable generation, and storage. At the same time, strong commodity prices are supporting mining companies, while large-scale infrastructure projects — including those linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics — are lifting activity domestically.

Against this backdrop, two ASX-listed companies, Wagners Holding Company Ltd (ASX: WGN) and NRW Holdings Ltd (ASX: NWH), have delivered standout share price performance over the past 12 months, rising over 157% and 94%, respectively.

But after such strong gains, are the fundamentals keeping pace?

Riding the infrastructure and construction wave

Wagners is a construction materials and infrastructure business with exposure to concrete, cement, composite materials, and aviation services. The company generates revenue by supplying essential inputs into infrastructure, civil construction, and mining projects — sectors that are currently benefiting from elevated investment levels.

Recent updates suggest Wagners has been experiencing strong trading momentum, supported by higher demand across its key divisions. In particular, infrastructure activity in Queensland and major project pipelines have been contributing to increased volumes and improved pricing outcomes.

The company has also continued to invest in its proprietary composite technologies, which offer lighter and more durable alternatives to traditional materials. This positions Wagners to benefit not only from near-term construction demand but also longer-term structural shifts in how infrastructure is built.

Looking ahead, the outlook appears supported by sustained infrastructure spending and population growth, particularly in regions such as southeast Queensland. If project activity continues to ramp up, Wagners could see further earnings growth, provided cost pressures remain controlled.

NRW Holdings: Leveraged to mining services growth

NRW Holdings operates as a mining services contractor, providing civil, mining, and drill and blast services to resource companies. Its revenue is largely tied to contract work across mine development, production, and infrastructure.

The company has benefited from strong commodity prices, which have left many miners with robust balance sheets and the ability to fund expansion projects and exploration programs. This has translated into a growing pipeline of work for contractors like NRW.

Recent results highlight solid profit growth and a healthy order book, with the company securing new contracts and maintaining strong utilisation across its fleet. Importantly, NRW's diversified exposure across commodities and clients helps mitigate reliance on any single project or resource.

The outlook remains favourable as mining investment continues, particularly in bulk commodities and critical minerals linked to the energy transition. As long as commodity markets remain supportive, demand for mining services is likely to stay elevated.

What could drive the next leg of growth?

Both ASX shares are benefiting from trends that appear durable rather than cyclical in nature.

Electrification requires significant capital investment in infrastructure. Mining companies are expanding to meet demand for key resources. And government-backed infrastructure pipelines remain strong.

However, after such significant share price appreciation, future returns may depend more heavily on continued earnings growth rather than multiple expansion.

For Wagners, this means maintaining margins while scaling production and delivering on project demand. For NRW, it comes down to converting its order book into sustained revenue and profit growth while managing costs.

If both companies can continue to grow revenue and earnings, maintain or expand margins, and avoid valuation compression, there is potential for further upside over time.

As always, the key will be execution.

The post 2 ASX shares booming on electrification and mining. Is there more upside ahead? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

If you've had your eye on an ASX share for a while, and you're ready to buy, the ex-dividend date can provide a deadline to act.

Might as well buy and pick up the next dividend payment if the stock is trading at an acceptable price, right?

Alternatively, you could play a longer game, and wait for the ex-dividend date to arrive before buying the stock.

This can be a good strategy because share prices tend to fall on the ex-dividend date.

This happens because the stock is fundamentally worth less without the next dividend payment attached.

Many companies offer dividend reinvestment plans (DRPs).

DRPs allow investors to instruct the company to use their dividends to buy more shares on their behalf, instead of paying cash.

After lodging your DRP form, this process becomes automatic.

It's an easy, passive way for investors increase their shareholdings in a company over time.

And every now and then, a company will offer a discount to shareholders participating in the DRP.

Bonus!

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

The post 14 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

By the time trading wrapped up today, the ASX 200 had gained a healthy 1.09% after initially rallying even harder this morning (up 2% at one point). This session's rise leaves the index at 8,692.6 points.

This happy Tuesday for the Australian markets follows an optimistic start to the American trading week in the early hours of this morning (our time).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) returned from the weekend with a spring in its step, rising 0.5%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) was even more enthusiastic, gaining a rosy 1.38%.

But let's return to the local markets now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors were lifted, or not, by today's market tide.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.