Author: openjargon

  • This ASX 200 gold share just recorded 321% revenue growth

    Calculator and gold bars on Australian dollars, symbolising dividends.

    Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI) shares are pushing higher on Tuesday after the gold miner delivered a standout quarterly update.

    The ASX 200 gold share is up 3% to 98.5 cents at the time of writing.

    ASX 200 gold share push higher on strong update

    According to the release, Predictive Discovery is scaling up quickly following the ramp-up of its production assets.

    The gold miner revealed that revenue surged to US$200.8 million for the three months, representing a massive 321% increase compared to the prior quarter.

    This was driven by a sharp lift in gold sales volumes and stronger realised gold prices (US$4,806 per ounce) during the period.

    Gold sales climbed 271% quarter on quarter to 41,799 ounces, while production jumped 308% to 48,178 ounces as operations at the Kiniero mine accelerated.

    Production ramp-up driving momentum

    A key contributor to this growth has been the rapid ramp-up at the Kiniero Gold Mine in Guinea.

    Production from Kiniero surged as the operation moved through commissioning and into commercial output, delivering a major uplift in group performance.

    At the same time, the Nampala mine in Mali continued to provide steady production, supporting overall output.

    Encouragingly, costs are also moving in the right direction. The ASX 200 gold share reported a 37% reduction in all-in sustaining costs (AISC) to US$1,192 per ounce. This reflects improved operating leverage and the contribution of lower-cost production from Kiniero.

    Strong cash generation

    Beyond production growth, the quarter also highlighted the company’s increasing ability to generate cash.

    Predictive Discovery delivered a cash margin from operations of US$139 million, underpinned by higher production and favourable gold prices.

    Its balance sheet also remains solid, with significant cash holdings following the completion of its merger with Robex Resources.

    Outlook

    Management has provided production guidance of 198,000 to 220,000 ounces for 2026, comprising 157,000 to 174,000 ounces from Kiniero and 41,000 to 46,000 ounces from Nampala.

    Cost production guidance will be released in the June quarter, following two full quarters of production at Kiniero.

    In addition, the ASX 200 gold share reaffirmed that it is progressing development work at its large-scale Bankan Gold Project. This is expected to become a cornerstone asset over the longer term.

    Furthermore, the merger between Predictive Discovery and Robex Resources completed on 15 April 2026. It notes that this has created a leading West African gold production and development company targeting 400,000 ounces of gold production per annum by 2029.

    The post This ASX 200 gold share just recorded 321% revenue growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Predictive Discovery right now?

    Before you buy Predictive Discovery 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 Predictive Discovery 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 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • Which ASX 200 stock is falling despite big news

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares are falling on Tuesday morning.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 gold stock is down 2.5% to $11.15.

    What’s going on with this ASX 200 gold stock?

    A pullback in the gold price overnight appears to be overshadowing the release of a strong exploration update from the company’s Mt Gibson Gold Project, which highlighted exceptional drilling results from the Lexington underground prospect.

    According to the release, the first seven holes from the drilling program have delivered significant high-grade gold intercepts.

    These results include standout intersections such as 13.1 metres at 13.93 grams per tonne gold and 28.6 metres at 5.35 grams per tonne gold, pointing to a potentially high-quality underground resource.

    Expanding underground potential

    Importantly, all the drilling results reported to date sit outside the current resource envelope.

    This suggests that the Lexington zone could materially expand the scale of the Mt Gibson project beyond its existing open pit and underground resources.

    Management highlights that the mineralisation extends between 85 metres and 365 metres below current resources, confirming the depth potential of the system.

    The drilling program has also extended high-grade mineralisation to over 900 metres of strike and more than 500 metres below current reserve pit designs, with the system remaining open in all directions.

    Building on Orion South success

    The Lexington prospect sits approximately 600 metres north of the Orion South underground deposit, which already hosts a substantial resource.

    Together, the two areas now represent a combined 2.1-kilometre strike length of drilled mineralisation.

    Encouragingly, the ASX 200 gold stock believes this is only a small portion of a much larger 8-kilometre mineralised trend across the broader Mt Gibson project.

    This raises the possibility of a large-scale, long-life underground mining operation developing over time.

    The ASX 200 gold stock’s executive chair, Mark Clark, described the results as some of the strongest underground intercepts seen at Mt Gibson to date. He said:

    The drilling at Lexington has delivered some of the strongest underground intercepts we have seen at Mt Gibson to date. These outstanding results highlight the scale, continuity and high-grade tenor of the system defined between Orion South and Lexington, which is now clearly emerging as a major underground discovery with genuine potential to add a significant long-life, high-margin underground mining operation to the Mt Gibson project.

    The post Which ASX 200 stock is falling despite big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Capricorn Metals right now?

    Before you buy Capricorn Metals 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 Capricorn Metals 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 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • Beach Energy lifts production in Q3 FY26, updates outlook

    oil and gas worker checks phone on site in front of oil and gas equipment

    The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price is in focus today after the company posted a 7% lift in production to 4.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) and quarterly sales revenue of $419 million for the third quarter of FY26.

    What did Beach Energy report?

    • Production increased 7% quarter-on-quarter to 4.8 MMboe, led by the Perth Basin ramp-up (up 174%)
    • Sales revenue was $419 million, down 6% from the previous quarter
    • Sales volumes totalled 5.3 MMboe (down 10% vs Q2), including one LNG cargo ($54 million revenue)
    • Average realised oil price climbed 19% to A$125/bbl; gas price averaged $11.2/GJ (down 6%)
    • Available liquidity strengthened to $974 million with net gearing reduced to 11%
    • FY26 production guidance revised to 19.4–20.3 MMboe (from 19.7–22.0 MMboe)

    What else do investors need to know?

    Beach Energy’s quarter saw strong output from the Waitsia Gas Plant, now operating close to full capacity after the final two compressors were brought online. The company lifted one LNG cargo in February, contributing $54 million in sales.

    Severe rains in the Cooper Basin and Western Flank led to some production setbacks and delayed drilling, but these operations have since resumed. Beach also secured new exploration acreage, including ATP 2081 in the Taroom Trough and three Queensland gas blocks, bolstering its East Coast gas portfolio.

    On the development front, a final investment decision was made to advance the Moomba Central Optimisation project, aiming to streamline and extend infrastructure life, with completion targeted in the first half of FY29.

    What did Beach Energy management say?

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Brett Woods said:

    This was a pivotal quarter for Beach, with the Waitsia Gas Plant reaching 94% of nameplate capacity, the Equinox rig returning to commence Phase 2 of the Otway offshore campaign and a final investment decision was taken on the Moomba Central Optimisation (MCO) project. Combined with strong cash generation and three new tenement awards, the third quarter marks the continued progress on our strategy.

    What’s next for Beach Energy?

    Looking ahead, Beach Energy will continue the ramp-up of the Waitsia Gas Plant and progress its new acreage across the Taroom Trough and Cooper Basin. Management is targeting completion of the Moomba project in H1 FY29, which should help unlock value and support longer-term output.

    Production outlook for FY26 has been revised due to weather impacts but remains strong. The company’s improved liquidity and disciplined approach to capital will support ongoing drilling and development across its expanded portfolio.

    Beach Energy share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Beach Energy shares have risen 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Beach Energy lifts production in Q3 FY26, updates outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Beach Energy right now?

    Before you buy Beach Energy 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 Beach Energy 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 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • Reliance Worldwide resets FY26 outlook, updates on tariffs and Middle East

    A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the share price.

    The Reliance Worldwide Corporation (ASX: RWC) share price is in focus after the company reaffirmed its full year FY26 trading outlook and provided updates on US tariffs and Middle East impacts.

    What did Reliance Worldwide report?

    • FY26 full-year guidance has been reaffirmed after nine months of trading to 31 March 2026
    • The company expects the FY26 net cost impact of US tariffs to be at the lower end of the previously indicated US$25 million–US$30 million range
    • FY27 net cost impact of US tariffs is forecast to remain at US$5 million to US$7 million
    • No material change in assumptions regarding regional and group outlook, net tariff impact, cash flow conversion, or cost savings

    What else do investors need to know?

    Two notable US tariff changes were flagged: the IEEPA-based tariffs were struck down by the US Supreme Court, replaced by a Section 122 tariff set to expire in July 2026. Reliance Worldwide lodged a claim for a refund of previously paid IEEPA tariffs, but the amounts are yet to be verified.

    There’s also an update to Section 232 tariffs on metals like steel, aluminium, and copper. Despite these changes, Reliance Worldwide does not anticipate a major shift in their operating earnings or cash flows for FY26 based on current estimates.

    What’s next for Reliance Worldwide?

    Reliance Worldwide expects its FY26 earnings to remain on track, despite higher costs driven by oil price impacts on resin, logistics, and energy. The company is offsetting increased input costs through price rises, and does not foresee material impacts from the war in Iran for FY26.

    However, Reliance Worldwide cautions that a sustained conflict in the Middle East may influence operating conditions heading into FY27. The company remains focused on managing external pressures and maintaining its guidance.

    Reliance Worldwide share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Reliance Worldwide shares have declined 26%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Reliance Worldwide resets FY26 outlook, updates on tariffs and Middle East appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Reliance Worldwide right now?

    Before you buy Reliance Worldwide 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 Reliance Worldwide 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 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • Red-hot PLS shares: Smart buy or risky move?

    A woman holds a chilli in front of her mouth as an upside down smile.

    It’s been hard to ignore PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares. The lithium miner has been one of the hottest names on the ASX, rocketing an eye-watering 299% over the past 12 months at the time of writing, making it one of the best performers in the S&P/ASX 50 Index (ASX: XFL).

    That kind of run tends to raise a big question: Have PLS shares already peaked, or could there be more upside ahead? Let’s see what the experts think.

    What’s driving momentum

    A lot of the recent strength comes down to strong operational performance, and the company’s latest update only added fuel to the fire. PLS reported record production in its most recent results, coming in around 8% ahead of consensus expectations.

    At the same time, costs impressed even more, landing roughly 13% better than what analysts had forecast. That’s a powerful combination. Higher production means more volume to sell, while lower-than-expected costs boost margins — particularly important in a commodity business where pricing can swing.

    It also reinforces PLS’ position as a key player in the global lithium market, benefiting from long-term demand tied to electric vehicles and battery storage.

    In short, the fundamentals haven’t just kept up with the share price, they’ve helped drive PLS shares higher.

    But here’s the catch

    Even great companies can become risky investments when expectations get too high. After a near 300% rally, a lot of good news may already be baked into the PLS share price. That leaves less room for upside surprises and more room for disappointment if anything goes wrong.

    And in lithium, things can change quickly. Prices for lithium have been volatile, and any sustained drop could weigh on earnings. On top of that, global supply is increasing as new projects come online, which could pressure prices over time.

    There’s also the broader market backdrop to consider. If sentiment toward growth stocks or commodities weakens, high-flyers like PLS shares are often the first to feel it.

    What are analysts saying?

    Broker views are starting to reflect this more cautious stance. Bell Potter recently retained its hold rating on PLS shares, while lifting its price target to $5.50. With the shares currently trading at $5.93, that suggests a potential downside of close to 7.5% over the next year.

    Morgans is even more conservative. It has downgraded PLS from a hold to a trim rating, with a $5.40 price target, signalling that, in its view, the upside is already fully priced in.

    Foolish Takeaway

    PLS has delivered exceptional returns, backed by strong operational performance and favourable industry tailwinds. But after such a massive run, the risk-reward balance is shifting.

    For new investors, the question isn’t whether PLS is a quality company. It’s whether today’s price still offers enough upside to justify the risk. Sometimes the hardest move is the right one: not chasing a stock that’s already had its moment in the spotlight.

    The post Red-hot PLS shares: Smart buy or risky move? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pls Group right now?

    Before you buy Pls Group 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 Pls Group 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 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

  • Capricorn Metals reports Mt Gibson gold results

    A mining worker clenches his fists celebrating success at sunset in the mine.

    The Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) share price is in focus today after the company released its drilling results at its Mt Gibson Gold Project, including intercepts of 13.1 metres at 13.93 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 28.6 metres at 5.35g/t gold from the Lexington underground prospect.

    What did Capricorn Metals report?

    • The first 7 holes (3,333m) of an 18-hole programme at Lexington returned strong gold mineralisation.
    • All results are outside the current resource envelope, extending high-grade gold to over 900m of strike and more than 500m below reserve pits.
    • Notable intercepts: 13.1m @ 13.93g/t Au from 714.9m, 28.6m @ 5.35g/t Au from 431.8m, and 23.9m @ 3.32g/t Au from 724.1m.
    • The drilled zone at Lexington is 600 metres north of the Orion South underground deposit, which boasts an underground mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 895,000 ounces of gold as of November 2025.
    • A further 10,000 metres of drilling is planned to support a maiden inferred resource for Lexington.
    • An updated Orion South resource and prefeasibility study are expected this quarter.

    What else do investors need to know?

    The latest results confirm significant underground system scale and continuity between Orion South and Lexington, both open at depth and along strike. The combined 2.1-kilometre drill-tested zone between these prospects remains a small portion of the broader 8-kilometre Mt Gibson resource extent, suggesting substantial resource expansion opportunities.

    Drilling at Lexington has identified a distinct intrusion-related orogenic gold system, offering thicker and higher-grade intercepts compared to other areas. Further drilling along this trend is in early stages, with upcoming results likely to inform future resource estimates.

    What did Capricorn Metals management say?

    Executive Chairman Mark Clark said:

    The drilling at Lexington has delivered some of the strongest underground intercepts we have seen at Mt Gibson to date. These outstanding results highlight the scale, continuity and high-grade tenor of the system defined between Orion South and Lexington, which is now clearly emerging as a major underground discovery with genuine potential to add a significant long-life, high-margin underground mining operation to the Mt Gibson project.

    What’s next for Capricorn Metals?

    Capricorn Metals plans to continue aggressive extensional and infill drilling at Lexington to define a maiden underground resource. At the same time, the Orion South resource and prefeasibility study are due for update this quarter, reflecting the potential for increased resource confidence and future ore reserves.

    The company emphasises that the 2.1-kilometre zone between Orion and Lexington could underpin a large-scale, long-life underground gold operation. With much of the 8km strike under-explored, ongoing drilling may open up further extensions for future resource growth.

    Capricorn Metals share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Metals shares have risen 26%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Capricorn Metals reports Mt Gibson gold results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Capricorn Metals right now?

    Before you buy Capricorn Metals 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 Capricorn Metals 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 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy for a retirement portfolio

    Business woman working from home with stock market chart showing percent change on her laptop screen.

    Building a retirement portfolio is different to investing for growth alone.

    The focus usually shifts toward stability, diversification, and a smoother ride over time, while still allowing for some growth to keep up with inflation.

    If I were putting together a simple retirement-focused portfolio using exchange-traded funds (ETFs), these are three I would consider.

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

    Even in retirement, I think it makes sense to have exposure to global growth.

    The iShares S&P 500 ETF provides access to 500 of the largest companies in the United States. That includes many of the world’s leading businesses across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors.

    The reason I would include it is straightforward. The US market has historically been a strong driver of long-term returns. Holding an ETF like the IVV ETF gives you exposure to that growth without needing to pick individual winners.

    It also adds diversification beyond the Australian market, which can be more concentrated.

    Vanguard Diversified Conservative Index ETF (ASX: VDCO)

    The Vanguard Diversified Conservative Index ETF would form the core of the portfolio.

    It is designed as a more conservative, balanced ETF, with a mix of equities and fixed income. That helps reduce volatility compared to a portfolio made up entirely of shares.

    This is important in retirement. Having exposure to bonds and defensive assets can help smooth returns and reduce the impact of market downturns.

    At the same time, the VDCO ETF still includes equities, which allows for some growth over time.

    That balance between income, stability, and modest growth is why I think it fits well in a retirement portfolio.

    BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

    The final piece I would add is a focus on quality. The BetaShares Australian Quality ETF focuses on Australian stocks with strong balance sheets, high returns on equity, and more stable earnings.

    In my view, that can be particularly useful in a retirement portfolio.

    Quality companies tend to be more resilient during difficult periods, which can help reduce downside risk. Many also pay dividends, which can support income.

    It also provides exposure to Australian stocks, which can complement the global exposure from the IVV ETF.

    Foolish Takeaway

    A retirement portfolio does not need to be complicated.

    For me, the focus would be on combining global growth, defensive balance, and quality companies.

    I think the IVV ETF provides exposure to leading global businesses, the VDCO ETF adds diversification and stability through a balanced approach, and the AQLT ETF brings in a focus on higher-quality Australian companies.

    Together, I think they offer a simple way to build a retirement portfolio that can generate income, manage risk, and still grow over time.

    The post 3 ASX ETFs I’d buy for a retirement portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Australian Quality ETF right now?

    Before you buy BetaShares Australian Quality ETF 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 BetaShares Australian Quality ETF 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 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Whitehaven Coal shares: Q3 FY26 shows steady sales, improved pricing

    Two young African mine workers wearing protective wear are discussing coal quality while on site at a coal mine.

    The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price is in focus after the company reported managed ROM coal production of 9.5 million tonnes for the March quarter, with equity sales of produced coal steady at 6.8 million tonnes. Net debt reduced to A$0.6 billion while the business is tracking towards targeted annualised cost savings.

    What did Whitehaven Coal report?

    • Managed ROM coal production: 9.5Mt in Q3 FY26 (down 14% on previous quarter due to seasonality)
    • Equity sales of produced coal: 6.8Mt, broadly in line with the December quarter
    • Average achieved prices: QLD A$242/t (up 8% QoQ); NSW A$175/t (up 7% QoQ)
    • Net debt: A$0.6 billion as at 31 March 2026, down from A$0.7 billion at 31 December
    • Refinancing secured: US$900 million in senior secured notes and US$600 million bank funding, aiming for annual interest savings of A$50–55 million
    • On track for A$60–80 million of targeted annualised cost savings by 30 June 2026

    What else do investors need to know?

    Operationally, there was a sharp 28% drop in QLD managed ROM coal production due to wet-season disruptions, but sales rose 9% as stock drawdowns continued. NSW managed ROM production held steady, supported by strong results at Maules Creek, offsetting lower longwall output at Narrabri.

    The business continued its capital management initiatives, repurchasing 1.4 million shares for A$11 million in the quarter. Full-year FY26 share buy-backs have reached 7.7 million shares for a total of A$56 million. The refinancing of debt facilities should lower funding costs and extend Whitehaven’s average debt maturity.

    Development work continued at the Winchester South and Vickery projects, with A$4 million spent on development and an additional A$1 million on exploration. The company remains disciplined in allocating capital to future opportunities, subject to board review and market conditions.

    What did Whitehaven Coal management say?

    CEO & Managing Director Paul Flynn said:

    Production in the March quarter was broadly in line with plan reflecting strong outcomes from NSW open cut operations and solid results from Queensland operations in a weather impacted quarter. For the first nine months of the year we have produced 29.5Mt of ROM, and we are on track to be firmly in the upper half of guidance for FY26. Equity sales of 6.8Mt for the quarter were also strong and are tracking at the upper end of guidance for the year… Our successful refinancing of the acquisition debt facility and smaller finance facilities will deliver considerable savings in the order of ~A$50-55 million per annum.

    What’s next for Whitehaven Coal?

    Whitehaven Coal has left FY26 guidance unchanged, expecting to land in the upper range for ROM coal production and coal sales, with unit costs tracking near the guidance midpoint. Capital expenditure is trending toward the lower end of the range, and ongoing cost discipline remains a focus.

    The business expects to benefit from positive market dynamics, with higher metallurgical and thermal coal prices and a healthy balance sheet. Board reviews of new developments such as Vickery and Winchester South remain in progress, depending on project approvals and market opportunities.

    Whitehaven Coal share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Whitehaven Coal shares have risen 59%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 10% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Whitehaven Coal shares: Q3 FY26 shows steady sales, improved pricing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Whitehaven Coal right now?

    Before you buy Whitehaven Coal 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 Whitehaven Coal 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 20 Feb 2026

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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.

  • How much could the BHP share price rise in the next year?

    Hand holding small sack of coins giving to another hand.

    The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price has been an excellent performer in the last year, rising by close to 50%, as the below chart shows.

    After such a strong rise, investors may be wondering where the BHP share price could go next.

    It’s a good time to consider that question because the ASX mining share recently released its FY26 third-quarter update.

    Let’s take a look at how the business performed and then what analysts think of the business now.

    Recent production performance

    In the three months to 31 March 2026, BHP said it produced 476.8kt, which was down 7% year-over-year. But, the business did upgrade its FY26 group copper production is now expected to be in the upper half of its guidance range of between 1,900kt to 2,000kt.

    Iron ore production went up 2% year-over-year to 62.8mt, with BHP’s share of Australian iron ore production rising by 1% to 60.9mt.

    The company noted that there was 10% lower iron ore production in the third quarter of FY26 than the second quarter of FY26 because of impacts from Tropical Cyclone Mitchell and Tropical Cyclone Narelle that led to a temporary port closure, operational adjustments and higher planned maintenance.

    Additionally, BHP revealed that it has concluded iron ore sales contract negotiations with the China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) – a key buyer of iron ore.

    Steelmaking coal production declined 3% year-over-year to 3.8mt and energy coal rose 12% year-over-year to 4mt.

    Is the BHP share price attractive?

    According to CMC Markets, most experts are feeling neutral about the business.

    Of 15 recent ratings on the business with in the last three months, there are currently 13 hold ratings and just two buys.

    A price target is where analysts think the share price will be in 12 months from the time of the investment call to now.

    The average price target of those 15 analysts for BHP shares is $51.61. That implies a possible decline of approximately 8% from where it is at the time of writing, so experts seem to think the BHP share price has risen a little too far.

    The highest price target on BHP is $67.80, suggesting a possible rise of around 20% from where it is at the time of writing.

    Time will tell whether it’s right to be optimistic or pessimistic at the current valuation.

    The post How much could the BHP share price rise in the next year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BHP Group right now?

    Before you buy BHP Group 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 BHP Group 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 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Don’t sit out this ASX share market chaos, it could cost you

    A young bearded man wearing a white t-shirt with a yellow backdrop holds up his arms to his chest and points to the camera in celebration of ASX shares rising today

    If the recent swings in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) have you clutching your portfolio with ASX shares a little tighter — you’re not alone.

    The market has slipped almost 5% from its early March highs and is down roughly 3% over 6 months at the time of writing. Not exactly the kind of chart that sparks joy.

    But here’s the cheeky twist: this kind of wobble might actually be one of the better buying windows for ASX shares 2026 has served up so far.

    Because while sell-offs feel uncomfortable, they’ve historically been where the real money gets made. Not when everything’s cruising and everyone’s feeling clever.

    What’s spooking the market?

    Plenty, frankly. Markets have been jittery thanks to rising oil prices, renewed conflict in the Middle East, sticky inflation, and a fresh round of hand-wringing over whether the Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom is getting a little… overcooked. It’s a notable mood swing from earlier this year.

    Over the past five years, ASX shares have been on a solid run, driven by banks, miners, and a tech sector riding the AI hype train. Confidence was high, earnings held up, and dips were treated more like mild inconveniences than genuine risks.

    Back then, buying felt easy. Almost too easy.

    Now it gets interesting

    Because here’s the thing, the best time to buy ASX shares is rarely when everything feels great. It’s when sentiment sours, headlines turn gloomy, and investors start second-guessing themselves.

    That’s when quality companies quietly go on sale.

    Right now, many of the ASX’s heavy hitters — think CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) — are trading below recent highs. Same businesses, same long-term prospects… just at lower prices. Not exactly a tragedy.

    Short-term noise, long-term game

    It’s also worth remembering that much of what’s driving today’s volatility in ASX shares is, well, temporary.

    Geopolitical tensions flare up and cool down. Oil prices spike, then settle. Inflation surprises — in both directions. Markets have seen it all before and, historically, moved higher over time.

    We’ve even had a reminder of how quickly things can flip. The ASX 200 recently posted one of its strongest single-day gains in a year on hopes of easing tensions and softer inflation data.

    That’s markets for you, dramatic one minute, optimistic the next.

    The same logic applies to AI concerns. While there’s debate about how sustainable current spending levels are, the long-term demand for AI infrastructure, automation, and data capabilities isn’t going anywhere fast.

    Foolish Takeaway

    When ASX share prices fall but business fundamentals remain intact, the maths quietly improves in your favour. Lower prices can mean higher dividend yields, better long-term returns, and less valuation risk.

    In other words, volatility isn’t just noise. It’s opportunity wearing a slightly scary costume.

    Sitting on the sidelines might feel comfortable right now. But in markets, comfort and returns don’t always go hand in hand. And this could be one of those moments where doing nothing ends up costing more than taking action.

    The post Don’t sit out this ASX share market chaos, it could cost you 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 20 Feb 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.