The Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) share price is in focus today after the company unveiled a major expansion plan for its Meekatharra processing hub, aiming to significantly boost gold production and improve future cashflow.

What did Westgold Resources report?

• Scoping Study for Meekatharra Expansion Plan (MXP) to lift processing capacity from 1.8Mtpa to 2.9Mtpa in FY28
• Expected to add approximately 47,000 ounces per year to gold production, increasing total gold output to 1.6 million ounces over 10 years (up 424,000 ounces)
• Indicative capital cost of $100 million with a targeted payback period of 9 months
• All-in Sustaining Cost (AISC) range forecast between $1,968 – $2,406 per ounce for life-of-mine
• Group NPV uplift of about $1.1 billion at $5,500/oz gold price, up to $1.6 billion at spot ($6,000/oz)
• Westgold holds $939 million in cash, bullion and liquid investments as at 30 June 2026

What else do investors need to know?

The Meekatharra Expansion Plan is designed as a low-capital, brownfields upgrade, leveraging existing infrastructure and equipment that’s already on hand. By installing a parallel crushing and single-stage SAG milling circuit, Westgold aims to process more ore and unlock additional emerging supply, including increased outputs from the Bluebird–South Junction mine and several open pits in its Murchison Open Pit program.

Resource definition drilling and open pit optimisation work has already commenced to further support and de-risk the expansion. Third-party ore purchase agreements are also in place, providing additional flexibility, although these are not critical to the project’s economics.

What did Westgold Resources management say?

Westgold Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell said:

The MXP is a capital-efficient brownfields expansion option to address this emerging constraint. It utilises existing infrastructure and long-lead equipment already procured to increase processing capacity from 1.8Mtpa to 2.9Mtpa, without the capital intensity, execution risk or timeframe of building a new plant.

What’s next for Westgold Resources?

Westgold will now move forward with feasibility-level studies, detailed engineering and execution planning for the Meekatharra expansion, aiming for a final investment decision in late FY27. Brownfields resource definition work will continue in parallel to secure additional future ore sources.

If delivered as planned, the MXP is expected to lift installed capacity in FY28, setting up improved production, lower processing costs and enhanced free cash generation for the group. Production timing and costs remain subject to feasibility outcomes and final approvals.

Westgold Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Westgold Resources shares have risen 97%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

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The post Westgold Resources launches $100m Meekatharra expansion plan to boost output appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

It has been a rollercoaster ride for PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shareholders in 2026. 

The lithium-tantalum producer saw its share price open the year around $4.30 per share. 

After a strong run for lithium shares amidst renewed sector optimism, its share price hit over $6.70 per share. 

Investors’ happiness was short lived however, as it quickly plummeted back down to $4.00 per share in a matter of weeks. 

Since then, it has slowly climbed back into the positive, before PLS shares roared back to life yesterday following full year results. 

This volatility can make it difficult for investors to pinpoint true value. 

However the team at Bell Potter have provided updated guidance for what investors can expect over the next 12 months. 

What did PLS report?

As reported by The Motley Fool yesterday, the company reported FY26 revenue up 152% to $1.93 billion and a shift to a $526 million net profit.

Other results included: 

• Underlying EBITDA: $1,137 million (59% margin; up from $97 million in FY25)
• Net profit after tax: $526 million (from a $196 million loss in FY25)
• Production: 879.5k tonnes spodumene concentrate (up 17%)
• Final dividend: 5 cents per share, fully franked ($161 million distribution)
• Cash balance: $2,290 million (up 135%). 

Investors were seemingly pleased with these results as PLS shares rose by almost 8% yesterday. 

Its share price is now up more than 150% in the last 12 months. 

What is Bell Potter’s view?

The broker saw the FY26 result as broadly in line with expectations, with strong cash generation and a better-than-expected 5c fully franked dividend. 

However, PLS is now entering a large investment cycle, with FY27 capex expected to rise significantly as it progresses projects.

Bell Potter expects the P2000 project could receive investment approval in late 2026, but estimates its cost at around $2.2bn, well above the earlier $1.2bn estimate. 

While PLS has a strong balance sheet with $1.1bn net cash, Bell Potter believes the increased spending and PLS’s conservative approach to its balance sheet could limit shareholder returns in the medium term, despite only modest changes to its earnings forecasts.

Hold recommendation for PLS shares

Based on this guidance, the broker has a hold recommendation on PLS shares. 

The broker also has a price target of $5.20 on PLS shares, indicating a 5% downside from current levels. 

With the material step up in expenditure and the company’s track record for balance sheet conservatism, we believe shareholder returns could be constrained across the medium term.

The post What is this broker’s updated view on PLS shares after big results? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price will be closely watched today after full-year sales revenue rose 2.8% to $45.6 billion and earnings (EBIT, excluding significant items) jumped 9.9%, led by strong Supermarkets performance.

What did Coles Group report?

• Group sales revenue up 2.8% to $45,580 million
• EBIT (excluding significant items) up 9.9% to $2,322 million
• NPAT (excluding significant items) up 13.7% to $1,255 million
• Fully franked total dividend up 13.0% to 78 cents per share
• Supermarkets sales revenue up 3.7%, EBIT up 12.2%
• eCommerce Supermarkets sales grew 26.4% to $5.6 billion

What else do investors need to know?

Coles delivered strong returns from its core Supermarkets business, with EBIT margin expanding by 43 basis points and customer satisfaction scores improving. Notably, Exclusive to Coles sales grew 6.1%, and the company gained market share during the year.

Liquor sales revenue fell 3.3% as the sector faced subdued consumer sentiment and higher costs, prompting the launch of a multi-year repositioning program. The group maintained a robust balance sheet with net assets of $3.95 billion and continued to invest in store renewals, automation, and digital technology.

Coles declared a fully franked final dividend of 37 cents per share, taking dividends for the year to 78 cents — a 13% increase.

What did Coles Group management say?

Commenting on the results, Coles CEO, Leah Weckert, said:

FY26 was another year of consistently strong performance for Coles, with above-market sales and strong earnings growth accompanied by further improvements in customer NPS and team member engagement. This demonstrates the benefits of our investments in automation and eCommerce, disciplined execution and a focus on delivering clear value for customers. We are now investing in the next phase of growth, including through an accelerated store opening and renewal program, coupled with a clear strategy to improve the performance of our Liquor business which will ensure Coles can maintain its growth trajectory.

What’s next for Coles Group?

Coles enters FY27 with positive momentum, especially across Supermarkets and digital operations, with sales growth tracking similarly to the final quarter of FY26. The business is ramping up investment in new stores, renewals, and technology—including accelerated eCommerce and supply chain automation.

For Liquor, a strategic repositioning is underway to improve integration with Supermarkets, optimise the store network, and simplify operations. The company will also invest in its new Victorian automated distribution centre and the Coles Capability Centre to drive operational efficiencies and support long-term growth.

Coles Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Coles Group share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) with a gain of around 9%. This reflects ongoing investor confidence in the business’s steady performance and dividend growth.

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The post Coles Group grows profit and dividend as Supermarkets shine in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.