Which companies gained the most on the ASX 200 today?

Objective Corporation (ASX:OCL), Super Retail Group (ASX:SUL), Codan (ASX:CDA), and Brambles (ASX:BXB) were among the top gainers.

Why did Megaport shares fall in early trade?

Megaport (ASX:MP1) declined due to higher than expected capital expenditure guidance despite revenue growth.

What caused Sonic Healthcare to decline?

Sonic Healthcare (ASX:SHL) fell after reporting earnings without providing detailed guidance for the coming year.

ASX 200 Today: Top Gainers and Losers in Early Trade

3 min read | August 21, 2025 03:44 PM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

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ASX 200 Today: Top Gainers and Losers in Early Trade — Image source: Shutterstock

Objective Corporation and Super Retail Group Rally

Objective Corporation (ASX:OCL) advanced after releasing its latest results, emerging as the strongest performer on the index. Super Retail Group (ASX:SUL) followed with solid gains, supported by steady sales growth and dividend declarations that resonated strongly with the market.

Codan and Brambles Strengthen

Codan (ASX:CDA) posted higher revenue and profit metrics, lifting sentiment with an improved dividend. Brambles (ASX:BXB) also rose on the back of a strong full-year outcome, steady guidance, and a share buy-back plan, reinforcing the company’s robust capital management approach.

Other Stocks Gaining Ground

Downer EDI (ASX:DOW) climbed after delivering results above expectations. Gains were also seen in Telix Pharmaceuticals (ASX:TLX), West African Resources (ASX:WAF), Austal (ASX:ASB), and Iperionx (ASX:IPX), which all reported updates supportive of their early performance. Several of these names benefited from resilient earnings and favorable operating conditions.

Megaport Declines Despite Revenue Growth

Megaport (ASX:MP1) experienced a sharp fall despite reporting revenue ahead of forecasts. Elevated capital expenditure plans overshadowed its top-line performance, resulting in heavy selling pressure during the session.

Sonic Healthcare Under Pressure

Sonic Healthcare (ASX:SHL) reported higher profit and revenue for the period. However, the absence of detailed guidance for the following year weakened sentiment. Despite management’s positive outlook, the stock recorded one of the largest declines in morning trade.

Other Notable Movers

James Hardie (ASX:JHX) continued to face losses following earlier cautious guidance. Auckland International Airport (ASX:AIA) and Insurance Australia Group (ASX:IAG) also edged lower. Among mid-tier companies, Spark New Zealand (ASX:SPK), Whitehaven Coal (ASX:WHC), Fletcher Building (ASX:FBU), Magellan Financial Group (ASX:MFG), and Netwealth (ASX:NWL) traded weaker, while West African Resources (ASX:WAF) and Austal (ASX:ASB) advanced further.

Market Overview

The index reflected a mixed performance with blue-chip names such as Codan (ASX:CDA), Super Retail Group (ASX:SUL), and Brambles (ASX:BXB) delivering strength, offset by declines in Megaport (ASX:MP1) and Sonic Healthcare (ASX:SHL). The reporting season continued to highlight earnings surprises alongside cautious outlooks, making guidance a key driver of sentiment across the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies gained the most on the ASX 200 today?
Objective Corporation (ASX:OCL), Super Retail Group (ASX:SUL), Codan (ASX:CDA), and Brambles (ASX:BXB) were among the top gainers.
Why did Megaport shares fall in early trade?
Megaport (ASX:MP1) declined due to higher than expected capital expenditure guidance despite revenue growth.
What caused Sonic Healthcare to decline?
Sonic Healthcare (ASX:SHL) fell after reporting earnings without providing detailed guidance for the coming year.

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