• European Lithium updates merger terms with Critical Metals Corp

    Two CEOs shaking hands on a deal.

    The European Lithium (ASX: EUR) share price is in focus today after the company announced key changes to its proposed merger with Critical Metals Corp (NASDAQ: CRML), including a new floating share exchange ratio and updates to the timeline for implementation.

    What did European Lithium report?

    • The previously fixed share exchange ratio for the merger is now a floating ratio, subject to a cap (0.045 CRML shares for each EUR share) and a collar (minimum 0.025 CRML shares per EUR share), depending on CRML’s 20-day VWAP before the scheme vote.
    • Based on current market prices (CRML VWAP below US$8.00), the maximum exchange ratio applies, increasing consideration by 28.6% compared to earlier terms.
    • The merger rationale and key deal protections, including a reimbursement fee, remain in place.
    • The independent board committee continues to recommend the scheme, and the timeline now anticipates completion in October 2026, following shareholder and court approvals.

    What else do investors need to know?

    European Lithium holds a significant 31% stake in Critical Metals and has additional direct and indirect interests in strategic minerals projects, such as Tanbreez in Greenland and Wolfsberg in Austria. With the revised scheme terms, shareholders’ equity in the merged group will directly reflect movements in CRML’s market value.

    The scheme booklet, including the independent expert’s report, is on track for distribution in early September 2026. Shareholder and optionholder meetings will be held to approve the transaction, with the court process to follow. If successful, European Lithium shareholders are expected to own around 38% of the combined entity.

    What’s next for European Lithium?

    The updated transaction structure aims to give shareholders more value certainty by softening the impact of CRML’s share price volatility before the deal closes. European Lithium and Critical Metals Corp continue to seek the required approvals and are focused on meeting regulatory, court, and shareholder milestones to complete the merger in October.

    Strategically, the combination could position the combined group as a key supplier to Europe’s critical minerals and battery industries, with assets that align well to rising demand from the clean energy and electric vehicle sectors.

    European Lithium share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, European Lithium shares have risen 227%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post European Lithium updates merger terms with Critical Metals Corp appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in European Lithium right now?

    Before you buy European Lithium shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and European Lithium wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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.

  • WAM Global lifts dividend despite underperforming global benchmark

    Different Australian dollar notes in the palm of two hands, symbolising dividends.

    The WAM Global Ltd (ASX: WGB) share price comes into focus after the company announced a fully franked full-year dividend increase to 13.2 cents per share, despite the investment portfolio falling 4.2% in FY26 while the MSCI World Index (AUD) climbed 14.8%.

    What did WAM Global report?

    • Investment portfolio declined 4.2% for the twelve months to 30 June 2026
    • MSCI World Index (AUD) benchmark rose 14.8% over the same period
    • Fully franked full year dividend increased to 13.2 cents per share
    • Fully franked final dividend of 6.6 cents per share, payable 16 November 2026
    • Reported operating loss before tax of $50.3 million (last year: $147.6 million profit)
    • Operating loss after tax was $35.2 million (last year: $103.3 million profit)

    What else do investors need to know?

    The Board highlighted that the fund’s listed investment company structure and profits reserve enabled ongoing payment of fully franked dividends, even during challenging market conditions. Shareholders benefit from a fully franked dividend yield of 6.0% and a grossed-up yield of 8.6%, both well above global equity averages.

    Performance lagged its benchmark primarily due to historic concentration of returns among AI-driven companies and a 4.3% negative impact from a stronger Australian dollar. While WAM Global held several AI beneficiaries, this was not enough to outpace broader markets as seen over the year.

    The company’s experienced investment team maintains a diversified, quality-focused portfolio. Participation in the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) is available, with new shares issued at the VWAP following the ex-dividend date, and no discount applied.

    What did WAM Global management say?

    Chairman Geoff Wilson AO said:

    The benefits of the listed investment company structure, together with the profits reserve available, have enabled the Board to continue to provide fully franked dividends to shareholders through market cycles. The investment team remains focused on our proven investment process, particularly during times where there is a lack of breadth in the market.

    What’s next for WAM Global?

    Looking ahead, WAM Global’s management remains disciplined and focused on investing in high-quality AI beneficiaries across sectors such as hardware, infrastructure, and semiconductors, while avoiding speculative names with stretched valuations.

    Despite ongoing market volatility and elevated index valuations, WAM Global expects ongoing dispersion in company returns to create opportunities for patient, value-seeking shareholders. The team is committed to using its investment process to identify undervalued growth companies and maintain dividend payments through various market cycles.

    View Original Announcement

    The post WAM Global lifts dividend despite underperforming global benchmark appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Wam Global right now?

    Before you buy Wam Global shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Wam Global wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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.

  • These 3 ASX 200 shares look like classic Warren Buffett investments

    a smiling picture of legendary US investment guru Warren Buffett.

    Oracle of Omaha Warren Buffett is one of the world’s greatest investors.

    His basic investing concepts include a long-term, value-focused approach to investing, and he has decades of experience identifying high-quality businesses and holding them over the long term.

    His investing wisdom boils down to a few key philosophies: rational decision-making, patience, and focus on high-quality businesses.

    With that in mind, there are three ASX 200 stocks that I think look like something Warren Buffett would invest in.

    Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

    Warren Buffett famously prioritises good-quality businesses. He always looks for companies with a strong history, trustworthy management, and reliable long-term profit growth. 

    Australian conglomerate, Wesfarmers, embodies all three of these key traits. 

    The company is well-established and financially sound with a history of reliable growth and stability. 

    The retail giant also has a huge and highly diversified exposure across multiple industries and sectors. It owns and operates major everyday brands including Bunnings, Kmart, Target, and Officeworks. It also has operations across health and wellbeing, industrials, chemicals, energy, and even more.

    Not only that, but it continually focuses on expanding its markets, product categories and digital capabilities to drive long-term growth. 

    It’s this stability and consistent long-term net profit growth that make Wesfarmers stand out amongst other ASX blue-chip shares. 

    Transurban Group Ltd (ASX: TCL)

    One of the key qualities Warren Buffett looks for in an investment is a strong competitive moat.

    Major toll-road operators, like Transurban, are a great example of businesses with deep structural advantages that help protect their long-term profitability.

    Transurban shares are classically defensive because its services are essential. The company builds and operates major urban toll road networks, tunnels, and bridges and operates 22 assets across Australia, the US, and Canada.

    Even in the event of a downturn, people still need to travel to work or transport goods and services. Transurban’s toll roads typically have stable traffic volumes year-round, which means the business enjoys resilient cash flow regardless of whether the economy is booming or slowing.

    Transurban’s tolls generally increase according to inflation or its long-term agreements. That means Transurban can increase revenue over time without necessarily needing to win more customers.

    Transurban owns an asset that can raise prices while customers continue using it. That’s a very attractive trait for investors like Warren Buffett.

    Washington H Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

    Soul Patts is another ASX 200 share which fits perfectly into the Warren Buffett style of investing. 

    In fact, the Australian diversified investment house is often compared to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway because it invests in a broad portfolio of assets. These range from ASX-listed companies, to private credit, to real estate, and others.

    It is widely regarded as Australian dividend royalty and it’s also one of the few ASX shares that have continually raised its dividend payments over the past 28 years.

    Soul Patts is heavily value-orientated. The company explicitly targets businesses capable of long-term compounding. It also focuses on investments where the price paid is justified by the company’s underlying quality, cash flows and long-term prospects. That’s a classic Warren Buffett strategy. 

    The post These 3 ASX 200 shares look like classic Warren Buffett investments appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited right now?

    Before you buy Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group, Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.