Contact Energy Ltd (ASX: CEN), Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP), and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) shares are turning heads today.
Two of the big-name S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are trailing well behind the 1.7% gains posted by the benchmark index in early afternoon trade on Thursday, while one is charging ahead of those gains.
Here's what's catching investor interest.
Northern Star shares slide on leadership shakeup
Northern Star shares are down 2.6% at the time of writing, changing hands for $18.84 apiece.
That sees shares in the ASX 200 gold mining giant down 22.9% in 2026.
Investors appear to be favouring their sell buttons after Northern Star announced that managing director Stuart Tonkin will step down in the first quarter of FY 2027.
Over a 13-year period, Tonkin has served as the miner's chief operating officer, CEO, and then managing director.
The board said it has commenced a formal process to assist with the orderly transition to a new managing director.
Commenting on his decision to step down, which looks to be pressuring Northern Star shares today, Tonkin said:
After 13 years leading Northern Star through significant growth, I'm proud to leave the company in an exceptional position. The team, the assets and the outstanding growth outlook is unique.
Which brings us to…
Contact Energy shares tumble on Infratil share sale
Contact Energy shares are also not joining in the broader stock market rally today.
Shares in the ASX 200 New Zealand-based energy generator and retailer are down a sharp 6% at the time of writing, trading for $7.71 each, after shares exited Wednesday's trading halt.
Contact Energy is under pressure after it reported that infrastructure investment company Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) had sold more than 53 million of its shares, representing some 5% of Contact Energy's outstanding shares.
Infratil, which remains a substantial shareholder, sold its Contact Energy shares for $9.25 apiece.
And finally…
Zip shares lift on Aussie branding news
Joining Contact Energy and Northern Star shares in the headlines today, Zip shares are surging higher.
At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 BNPL stock are up 4.6% at $2.30 each.
Investors are snapping up Zip shares after the company revealed that it has reached an undisclosed settlement with privately owned, non-bank financial institution Firstmac Limited regarding the use of the name 'Zip' in its Australian markets.
Last week, the High Court of Australia ruled that the ASX 200 BNPL stock could no longer call itself Zip Down Under, as Firstmac held a 2004 trademark for the term.
But following today's settlement announcement, Zip can keep its branding intact in Australia.
Management said that the settlement with Firstmac will not have any material impact on Zip's full-year FY 2026 guidance.
The post Why Zip, Contact Energy and Northern Star shares are making headlines on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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