• Why this ASX 200 stock is a buy after posting record results

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    ASX 200 stock Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) made headlines yesterday after releasing its FY26 results.

    As reported by James Mickleboro, the gold miner reported record FY26 profit and increased its dividend, backed by strong gold and copper output.

    Other key results included: 

    • Statutory profit after tax rose 59% to $1,475 million
    • Underlying EBITDA increased 44% to $3,171 million with 57% margin
    • Group cash flow jumped 76% to $1,389 million
    • Final fully franked dividend of 21 cents per share, up 62%
    • Total FY26 dividend of 41 cps, returning ~$833 million to shareholders. 

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the results, Evolution Mining’s Managing Director and CEO, Lawrie Conway, said:

    Our record results reflect the quality of our assets and, above all, the efforts of the entire Evolution team. We are delivering on our commitment to shareholders. The record financial performance is on the back of safe, consistent and reliable operational delivery, complemented by our disciplined approach to cost and capital management. Our high-margin business is generating significant cash flow with a record Group cash flow of nearly $1.4 billion.

    It was a subdued response from investors, with the ASX 200 stock rising just over 0.2% on the back of the announcement. 

    However, Evolution Mining shares have risen 73% over the last 12 months. 

    In good news for prospective investors, Bell Potter sees more upside for this ASX 200 stock. 

    Here’s what the broker had to say. 

    FY26 financial results sets fresh records

    The team at Bell Potter said this ASX 200 stock delivered a record FY26 result, with revenue of A$5.56bn, underlying EBITDA of A$3.17bn and net profit of A$1.56bn, despite falling short of Bell Potter’s forecasts. 

    The strong operational performance, combined with largely unhedged gold exposure, drove record earnings and free cash flow, while net gearing improved to 0% as EVN moved to A$19m of net cash. 

    Management also increased its dividend payout target from ~50% to ~60% of group cash flow, supporting a total FY26 distribution of 41cps and signalling a greater focus on shareholder returns. 

    FY27 guidance of 660-730koz of gold and 63-70kt of copper at AISC of A$1,795-1,995/oz was broadly in line with expectations, with higher growth capital reflecting investment in projects Bell Potter views as high-return and highly competitive for capital.

    Buy recommendation in tact 

    Based on this guidance, the team at Bell Potter retained its buy recommendation on this ASX 200 stock. 

    It also increased its price target to $15.55 (previously $15.10). 

    From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates a further upside of almost 14%. 

    EVN offers fully unhedged gold and copper exposure via a portfolio of high quality, long-life assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions, overseen by a high-quality management team. EVN has demonstrated its intention to increase shareholder returns and gold price exposure. Our NPV-based valuation lifts 3%, to $15.55/sh. We retain our Buy recommendation.

    The post Why this ASX 200 stock is a buy after posting record results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Evolution Mining right now?

    Before you buy Evolution Mining 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 Evolution Mining 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

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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 average superannuation balance at age 62 in Australia. How does yours stack up?

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    At age 62, Australians are entering the period where their superannuation shifts from being a retirement savings tool, to a main source of income.

    By this age, you’ve passed the preservation age, which means you can access your superannuation if you’ve quit working. And you’re five years away from receiving the Age Pension (if you’re eligible for it).

    But do you know if you have enough in your super to retire?

    Or how your superannuation balance compares to other Australians the same age as you?

    Here’s a breakdown of what the average superannuation balance is at age 62 in Australia.

    Find out how yours compares.

    What is the average superannuation balance for men aged 62 in Australia?

    There aren’t exact figures, but brackets determined by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provide a good guide.

    The data shows that the average Australian male aged 60-64 has around $395,852 in their superannuation.

    Is your superannuation in line with the average Aussie the same age?

    What is the average superannuation balance for women the same age?

    Women the same age have quite a lot less. The average balance for Australian women aged 60-64 is around $313,360. That’s a gap of almost $83,000!

    Why? 

    Women typically take a career break to have children or care for family, and during this time they receive little to no compulsory employer superannuation. Women are also more likely to work part-time and work in lower-paid industries. The missing contributions in their 30s and 40s also mean they lose several years of compounding, which takes a huge toll on their end balance. 

    How does your super balance compare?

    Are these average super balances enough to retire on?

    If you’re happy to live a basic retirement on a tight budget, possibly. But for a comfortable retirement, no.

    In fact, the average Australian is quite far behind.

    ASFA estimates that it’ll cost single Australians around $55,923 per year to retire. It’ll cost couples living together closer to $78,566 per year in total.

    These figures also assume you’ll start your retirement at age 67. It also assumes that you’ll receive a part Age Pension around this time and that you own your home outright.

    In order to fund this type of comfortable retirement, ASFA calculates that single Australians will need around $630,000 in their superannuation at age 67. Meanwhile, couples will need around $730,000 combined at the same age.

    So, how much should I have in my super by age 62 to retire comfortably?

    Using ASFA’s Super Balance Detective tool, I’ve calculated what you’d need at ages 62 to reach that sum in the next five years.

    Assuming you’re aiming for the $630,000 superannuation balance needed for an individual. At age 62, you should have close to $539,000 to be considered ‘on track’.

    How does your superannuation balance compare now?

    The post The average superannuation balance at age 62 in Australia. How does yours stack up? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the ‘five best ASX stocks’ for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    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 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.

  • How much are CSL shares worth? 4 brokers have their say

    A scientist in a white coat and glasses puts her arms in the air in a sign of strength and success.

    CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares have staged an impressive recovery over the past three months, aided by a sharp jump this week following the company’s full-year results announcement.

    The shares are still more than 25% down over a 12-month period however, begging the question, is there still more recovery to come?

    It’s fair to say brokers are split on the question, with those surveyed having a wide range of views on where the shares will go over the next 12 months.

    First let’s have a quick look at what CSL announced this week.

    Steady results in reset year

    The blood products company posted total revenue of US$15.8 billion, down 1%, and underlying net profit of US$3.1 billion, down 2%.

    After significant one off costs and write downs were included, the company made a net loss of US$2.6 billion.

    Interim Chief Executive Officer Gordon Naylor called FY26 a “reset” year for the company.

    On the outlook, the company said it expected underlying net profit to grow by about 5% in FY27.

    Wide range of views on CSL Shares

    Among the brokers, UBS has the most bullish share price target for CSL at $181, compared to $163.51 late on Wednesday.

    The broker said:

    CSL has endured a challenging period that required significant restructuring to reduce costs and address the underperforming Vifor division. While more work remains, improving trends in the core plasma business suggest the worst is behind the group and that CSL is on track to return to at least market level growth. The separation of Seqirus is now complete, providing the incoming CEO with additional strategic flexibility.

    Morgan Stanley also believes the price will appreciate, with a $172 price target.

    They said:

    On balance, we see the FY26 result and FY27 guidance as highlighting incremental improvement within CSL Behring, the key driver of group earnings growth over the medium to longer term. Our forecasts imply solid underlying NPATA/NPAT growth, supplemented by an ongoing buyback program.

    Meanwhile, Bell Potter has a hold recommendation on CSL, with a price target of $150.

    They said:

    While the result today suggests the worst (by way of earnings declines) is in the rear-view for CSL, we find it difficult to justify a greater premium than is now being attributed relative to global biopharma peers.

    And most bearish on CSL is Macquarie, which has a neutral rating and a price target of just $133.

    They said:

    Despite signs of stabilisation, we see ongoing uncertainty across core business segments (immunoglobulin, albumin) and medium-term competitive risks.

    The post How much are CSL shares worth? 4 brokers have their say appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL 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 CSL 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

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    Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.