ASX:WTC

Australian Shares Flat; Collins Foods Reports Nearly 7% Rise in Sales for First 17 Weeks of Fiscal 2027

Australian shares were again flat with a negative bias as economic concerns mounted in the wake of renewed Middle East hostilities.The S&P/ASX 200 Index was little changed to close at 9,066.70.Brent crude oil futures ​climbed over $91 per barrel after the US and Iran conducted attacks in the Middle East.Overnight on Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell 0.7%, the S&P 500 0.3%, and the Nasdaq 0.1%.On the domestic front, Australia's manufacturing sector maintained modest growth in August, with stronger new orders, business confidence, and employment offset by softer production and renewed supply-chain and cost pressures, according to a survey by S&P Global.Australia's seasonally adjusted current account deficit widened to AU$27.22 billion in the June quarter from AU$25.45 billion in the previous quarter, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed.Total dwelling approvals fell 3.6% to 17,687 in July in seasonally adjusted terms after rising 6.9% in June, according to a separate report from the statistics bureau.In company news, Collins Foods (ASX:CKF) said total company sales in the first 17 weeks of fiscal 2027 were up 6.6% on the prior corresponding period on a constant currency basis, with KFC total sales up 6.4% in Australia, down 2.5% in the Netherlands, and up 44% in Germany.WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) appointed Jeff Howard as chief financial officer, effective Sept. 28.CSL (ASX:CSL) entered agreements with the US Administration to lower medicine costs and expand its manufacturing footprint in the US.

WiseTech Global Appoints CFO

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) appointed Jeff Howard as chief financial officer, effective Sept. 28, according to a Tuesday Australian bourse filing.Howard most recently served as CFO before becoming chief executive of Seven West Media, the filing said.Caroline Pham, who has served as interim CFO since October 2024, will remain with the company to support a smooth transition, the filing added.

Australian Shares Fall; Woolworths Group Fiscal 2026 Adjusted Earnings, Revenue Up

Australian shares fell on Wednesday as investors digested July's domestic consumer price index report.The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell by 0.4%, or 36.80 points, to close at 9,127.80.Overnight on Wall Street, both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones gained 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.7%.Brent crude oil futures ​fell to trade around $86 per barrel after Iran and Oman restarted talks over the Strait of Hormuz.On the domestic front, Australia's CPI rose 3.5% in the 12 months to July, down from 3.8% in the 12 months to June, while trimmed mean inflation held steady at 3.6%, according to a Wednesday report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.Australia's total construction work done in seasonally adjusted terms fell 2.1% sequentially to AU$82.52 billion in the June quarter. Total construction work climbed 2.7% year over year in the June quarter.The six-month annualized growth rate in the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index rose to negative 0.2% in July from negative 0.4% in June, showing that the momentum is running below trend but is not particularly weak.In company news, Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) logged AU$1.299 earnings per share before significant items for fiscal 2026, compared with AU$1.127 a year ago. For the 12 months ended June 28, revenue was AU$71.54 billion versus AU$69.08 billion previously.WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) logged $0.94 in underlying EPS for fiscal 2026, compared with $0.731 a year ago. For the 12 months ended June 30, revenue from ordinary activities was $1.4 billion versus $778.7 million previously. Its shares closed down nearly 10%.Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR) logged $0.756 in underlying earnings per basic share for fiscal 2026, compared with $0.243 a year ago. For the 12 months ended June 30, sales revenue was $1.65 billion versus $1.18 billion previously.

WiseTech Global's Fiscal 2027 Expectations to be Cost Control Story, RBC Capital Markets Says

WiseTech Global's (ASX:WTC) fiscal 2027 expectations will be a cost control story, with underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) guidance inferring flat-ish operating costs, RBC Capital Markets said in a Wednesday note.The market will likely be focused on the implication of CargoWise revenue growth coming in at 11%, below the fiscal 2026 guidance of 14% to 21% and below consensus expectations of around 12%. It decelerated in the second fiscal half to 9.7% from 12.3% in the first half.It guided to a significant second half skew in its CargoWise revenue growth, which at the mid-point of guidance implies 6% growth in the first half of fiscal 2027 before accelerating to +25% in the second half.E2open's revenue outlook appears subdued compared with expectations, with guidance for flat revenue compared with consensus expectations of 2.5% growth above the fiscal 2026 base, with an expectation of continued subscription revenue attrition and reduction in professional services revenues.The brokerage assigned WiseTech an outperform rating and a price target of AU$64.The technology company's shares tumbled nearly 8% in recent Wednesday trade.

ASX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Staples Stocks Jump, Information Technology Sector Struggles

Consumer staples stocks advanced over 2% at midday Wednesday.Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) gained more than 4% in recent trade after logging AU$1.299 earnings per share before significant items for fiscal 2026, compared with AU$1.127 a year ago.On the flip side, the information technology sector struggled, shedding past 3%.WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) shares were down past 9% in recent trade after reporting $0.94 in underlying EPS for fiscal 2026, compared with $0.731 a year ago.

Update: WiseTech Global Fiscal 2026 Underlying EPS, Revenue Up; Shares Fall 9%

(Updates with the stock movement in the headline and last paragraph.)WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) logged $0.94 in underlying EPS for fiscal 2026, compared with $0.731 a year ago, a Wednesday filing showed.Analysts polled by FactSet expected $0.7582.For the 12 months ended June 30, revenue from ordinary activities was $1.4 billion versus $778.7 million previously, the Australia-listed software developer added. Analysts surveyed by FactSet projected $1.4 billion.The board declared a final dividend of $0.088 per share, up from $0.077 a year earlier, payable Oct. 9 to shareholders as of Sept. 14.The company guided for fiscal 2027 revenue of $1.48 billion to $1.54 billion, and underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $725 million to $780 million.WiseTech shares fell nearly 9% in recent Wednesday trade.

WiseTech Global Fiscal 2026 Underlying EPS, Revenue Up

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) logged $0.94 in underlying EPS for fiscal 2026, compared with $0.731 a year ago, a Wednesday filing showed.Analysts polled by FactSet expected $0.7582.For the 12 months ended June 30, revenue from ordinary activities was $1.4 billion versus $778.7 million previously, the Australia-listed software developer added. Analysts surveyed by FactSet projected $1.4 billion.The board declared a final dividend of $0.088 per share, up from $0.077 a year earlier, payable Oct. 9 to shareholders as of Sept. 14.The company guided for fiscal 2027 revenue of $1.48 billion to $1.54 billion, and underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $725 million to $780 million.

WiseTech Global Posts Fiscal 2026 Underlying EPS of $0.94, Revenue of $1.4 Billion

WiseTech Global Hit With Search Warrant in Investigation Into Alleged Competition Rule Violations; Shares Fall 10%

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) said an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) search warrant executed on the company requires it to furnish documents and electronic data related to the supply of logistics services and software, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.The warrant is part of an investigation into alleged violations of Australian competition rules, and the company will lend its full cooperation to the probe, it said.WiseTech Global shares fell 10% in recent Wednesday trade.

ASX Midday Sector Update: Healthcare Stocks Jump, Information Technology Sector Struggles

Healthcare stocks advanced nearly 2% at midday Wednesday.CSL (ASX:CSL) gained almost 4% in recent trade.On the flip side, the information technology sector struggled, shedding almost 5%.Wisetech Global (ASX:WTC) shares fell nearly 13% in recent trade.

ASX Biggest Gainers

Here are the ASX-listed companies with the biggest gains on Friday.Block (ASX:XYZ): +6%, AU$117.98Seek (ASX:SEK): +5%, AU$14.65Xero (ASX:XRO): +6%, AU$81.50Wisetech Global (ASX:WTC): +5%, AU$43.18EchoIQ (ASX:EIQ): +4%, AU$1.66Southern Cross (ASX:SXE): +4%, AU$4.73Insurance Australia Group (ASX:IAG): +4%, AU$8.10SKS Technologies (ASX:SKS): +3%, AU$9.42SRG Global (ASX:SRG): +3%, AU$3.62Tasmea (ASX:TEA): +3%, AU$9.40

ASX Midday Sector Update: Information Technology Stocks Rise, Materials Sector Struggles

Information technology stocks advanced more than 2% at midday Friday.WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) gained nearly 5% in recent trade.On the flip side, the materials sector struggled, shedding almost 3%.BHP Group (ASX:BHP) shares were down nearly 4% in recent trade.

WiseTech Global Flags Temporary ASX Listing Rule Non-Compliance After Chair Appointment

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) informed the market of a temporary breach of an Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listing rule after the appointment of Raelene Murphy as independent chair on July 7 resulted in her concurrently serving as chair of both the board and the audit and risk committee (ARC), according to an Australian bourse filing on Thursday after market hours.The ARC does not currently meet the ASX listing rule requirement that it be chaired by an independent director who is not also the chair of the board, per the filing.The company said it expects to appoint an additional independent non-executive director with accounting and finance expertise within the next four weeks, after which Murphy will step down as chair of the ARC, the filing said.The company said keeping her in both roles on a temporary basis will ensure continuity throughout the fiscal 2026 audit and financial reporting process.

WiseTech Global Shares Fall 4% Amid Broader Tech Weakness

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) shares fell past 4% in recent Friday trade as fears related to artificial intelligence spending gripped broader tech markets.US tech stocks took a beating on Thursday, with Google parent Alphabet shedding nearly 7% at the close of trading and Nvidia dropping almost 2%. Tesla's US shares were down nearly 15% at Thursday's close.Meanwhile, Brent crude futures were above the $100 per barrel mark amid a widening US-Iran conflict in the Middle East.

Australian Shares Rise; Paladin Expects Namibia Uranium Mine Production of up to 5.6 Million Pounds in Fiscal Year 2027

Australian shares advanced on Wednesday, mirroring gains on Wall Street despite escalating tensions in the Middle East.The S&P/ASX 200 Index gained 0.34%, or 29.70 points, to close at 8,823.Overnight, the Nasdaq Composite index on Wall Street rose over 1.3%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.9% and Dow Jones climbed 0.7%.Brent crude oil futures rose over 1% to trade around $92 per barrel as US President Donald Trump threatened further military strikes on Iran.Gold prices rose over 1% to $4,128.42 per ounce. Copper jumped to its highest price in over a month as Comex copper for September rose over 3% to $6.55 per pound.On the domestic front, the six-month annualised growth rate in the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index dropped to negative 0.36% in June from negative 0.25% in May, marking the sixth consecutive below-trend read and the weakest pace since late 2023 when quarterly GDP growth stalled flat, according to a report by Westpac.Inflation emerged as the single most pressing concern for Australians across the three waves of a new survey by the Reserve Bank of Australia, with around two-thirds of respondents citing it as one of their top three economic concerns.In company news, Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) said production from the Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia is expected to range between 5.1 million pounds and 5.6 million pounds of triuranium octoxide in fiscal year 2027.Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) reported fiscal fourth-quarter gross sales revenue of AU$288.9 million, up 70% from a year earlier and the highest quarterly revenue achieved since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.Lastly, WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) agreed to acquire California-based FRDM.ai, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven supply chain risk and compliance intelligence platform, in a transaction valued at an upfront $10 million in cash and shares, with potential all-cash earn-outs of up to $14.3 million.

ASX Preview: Australian Shares to Rise as US-Iran Tensions Fuel Energy Fears; WiseTech Global to Acquire AI Supply Chain Risk Platform FRDM.ai

Australian shares are poised to rise on Wednesday as oil prices surged to a five-week high amid escalating Middle East tensions and growing concerns over potential energy supply disruptions following intensified US-Iran hostilities and threats by Yemen's Houthis to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.Overnight, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, 1.3%, and 0.7%, respectively.In the macroeconomy, investors are eyeing the Westpac-Melbourne Institute leading economic index report.In corporate news, WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) agreed to acquire California-based FRDM.ai, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven supply chain risk and compliance intelligence platform, in a transaction valued at an upfront $10 million in cash and shares, with potential all-cash earn-outs of up to $14.3 million.Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) reported fiscal fourth-quarter gross sales revenue of AU$288.9 million, up 70% from a year earlier and the highest quarterly revenue achieved since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.Australia's benchmark index was little changed to close at 8,793.30 on Tuesday.

WiseTech Global to Acquire AI Supply Chain Risk Platform FRDM.ai

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) agreed to acquire California-based FRDM.ai, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven supply chain risk and compliance intelligence platform, in a transaction valued at an upfront $10 million in cash and shares, with potential all-cash earn-outs of up to $14.3 million, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.The transaction is expected to close on Aug. 3, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, per the filing.The acquisition will strengthen the company's compliance and logistics technology capabilities by integrating FRDM.ai's supplier network mapping, human rights risk monitoring and regulatory compliance solutions, the filing said.The combined technology will enable the development of VerifyWise, an AI-powered solution designed to validate supply chain data, enhance transparency and trust, and promote responsible sourcing across global trade networks, the filing added.

WiseTech Global Reaffirms DSV CargoWise Partnership as Platform Usage Grows

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) said DSV remains an active customer of its CargoWise platform, addressing ongoing media and online speculation about their commercial relationship as transaction volumes with DSV rose around 20% over the past six months following the integration of DB Schenker, according to a Friday Australian bourse filing.The companies remain committed to their existing contract until September 2028, while discussions continue regarding future collaboration opportunities, per the filing."We deeply value our long-standing relationship with DSV and remain committed to supporting its business and identifying opportunities to deliver additional value over time," said WiseTech Chief Executive Zubin Appoo.The company's shares gained nearly 1% in recent Friday trade.

ASX Biggest Gainers

Here are the ASX-listed companies with the biggest gains on Wednesday.Wisetech Global (ASX:WTC): +13%, AU$32.51BCI Minerals (ASX:BCI): +11%, AU$0.42Anteris Technologies (ASX:AVR): +10%, AU$14.99Xero (ASX:XRO): +8%, AU$70.31Telix Pharmaceuticals (ASX:TLX): +7%, AU$15.54Neuren Pharmaceuticals (ASX:NEU): +5%, AU$12.99Tasmea (ASX:TEA): +5%, AU$9.45Lindian Resources (ASX:LIN): +5%, AU$0.92Regis Healthcare (ASX:REG): +4%, AU$6.53Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU): +4%, AU$7.54

Australian Shares Fall; Iluka Resources to Supply Magnet Rare Earth Oxides to Automotive Firm

Australian shares closed lower on Tuesday as Asian markets followed Monday's Wall Street sell-off.The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell 0.33%, or 29.10 points, to close at 8,787.On Monday, the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.3%, the S&P 500 lost 0.4%, while the Dow Jones managed to add 0.3%.The US waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days from Monday following the first talks under a nascent peace deal, Reuters reported Monday."These are far ​from dull markets. The former generals of the market ​appear to have lost momentum, and investors are rotating into other areas of the market that are more defensive, less AI-focused and offer more predictable cash flows," said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone Group, as quoted by Reuters.In domestic news, Australian consumer confidence rose 2.1 points in the week of June 15 to 21 to 72.8 points, its highest level since early March, according to a note from ANZ.Also, rising interest rates and recent tax changes threaten a more pronounced correction for Australia's housing markets, where conditions have already been slowing amid a challenging and uncertain outlook, Westpac said in its Housing Pulse report.Further, more than four in 10 Australian small and medium businesses are using artificial intelligence tools, and a further 14% are planning to adopt them, with property services, finance and insurance, and business services sectors leading adoption, according to a report by National Australia Bank.Meanwhile, Australia's private sector activity edged closer to stabilization in June, but persistent declines in new orders and the weakest business confidence since the pandemic reflected lingering demand-side weakness despite easing inflationary pressures, according to a survey by S&P Global.In company news, Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU) struck a binding agreement to supply magnet rare earth oxides, including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, to an unnamed automotive company.WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) denied awareness of any investigation linked to Executive Chair Richard White following media reports concerning a visa application, saying the matter relates to him personally and not the company.Lastly, Viva Energy Group (ASX:VEA) completed works to restart the residue catalytic cracking unit at the Geelong Refinery in Victoria.