Author: openjargon

The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price is in focus today as the ACCC announced its proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance (RACI) will require an in-depth Phase 2 review. Both insurers are leading providers of motor, home, and contents insurance in Western Australia, making competition concerns the key highlight.

What did Insurance Australia Group report?

• Proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance enters Phase 2 review by the ACCC.
• ACCC says the deal could substantially lessen competition in WA’s insurance market.
• No conclusion reached yet – review continues under the new formal merger regime.
• Submissions on the Phase 2 Notice are invited until 4 May 2026.

What else do investors need to know?

The ACCC’s review focuses on the competitive impacts across both the motor vehicle and home and contents insurance markets in Western Australia. The regulator is also examining implications for related services like smash repairs, given the market share of both companies in the region.

IAG previously reapplied for approval under the new merger regime that started in January 2026, after the ACCC didn’t clear the deal under the old informal process last year. The current review will take up to 90 business days unless extended, allowing the ACCC to explore competition impacts in detail.

What’s next for Insurance Australia Group?

Investors can expect more updates as the ACCC’s Phase 2 review progresses. The outcome will determine whether IAG can proceed with bringing RACI into its portfolio and underwriting its home and motor insurance products under the RAC brand.

For now, IAG continues to operate its existing brands across Australia and New Zealand, including partnerships and underwriting for third parties. The company’s growth strategy depends partly on the outcome of this high-profile merger review.

Insurance Australia Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Insurance Australia Group shares have declined 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Insurance Australia Group’s RAC Insurance deal faces ACCC Phase 2 review appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Paladin Energy hikes FY2026 outlook after Langer Heinrich ramp-up
• Alcoa posts Q1 2026 result
• Zip Co posts record cash EBTDA and upgrades FY26 guidance
• Meridian Energy shares: Strong customer growth in March
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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.

The Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price is in focus today after the company lifted its FY2026 production guidance for the Langer Heinrich Mine following strong year-to-date results. Management cited a smooth ramp-up to full mining, a higher feed grade, and strong recovery rates, with 3.6 million pounds of uranium oxide produced so far this financial year.

What did Paladin Energy report?

• FY2026 uranium oxide (U₃O₈) production guidance raised to 4.5–4.8 Mlb (up from 4.0–4.4 Mlb)
• Year-to-date FY2026 production: 3.6 Mlb U₃O₈
• FY2026 uranium sales guidance unchanged at 3.8–4.2 Mlb (3.0 Mlb sold so far YTD)
• Average realised price year-to-date: US$69.8/lb
• Cost of production (YTD): US$40.4/lb (guidance of US$44–48/lb unchanged)
• Capital and exploration expenditure guidance for FY2026 reduced to US$15–17M (was US$26–32M)

What else do investors need to know?

Paladin’s improved FY2026 guidance follows a successful ramp-up of mining and processing operations at its flagship Langer Heinrich Mine. The combination of higher feed grades and efficient plant performance underpinned a strong production result in the first nine months of the year.

Despite the positive operational momentum, Paladin cautioned that cost expectations remain subject to global events, especially ongoing Middle East conflicts. The company reduced planned capital and exploration spending for the year after reprioritising investment and deferring some projects.

A conference call is scheduled for 22 April 2026, after Paladin releases its March 2026 Quarterly Report, to offer further updates to shareholders and analysts.

What’s next for Paladin Energy?

Paladin expects Langer Heinrich Mine to achieve a full transition to steady-state mining and processing operations by the end of FY2026. The company is monitoring geopolitical risks but remains confident in its ability to meet revised production targets.

Management has highlighted its focus on operating discipline and plans to update investors on any impacts from global events or further changes to mining conditions as needed.

Paladin Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy shares have risen 211%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Paladin Energy hikes FY2026 outlook after Langer Heinrich ramp-up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Insurance Australia Group’s RAC Insurance deal faces ACCC Phase 2 review
• Alcoa posts Q1 2026 result
• Zip Co posts record cash EBTDA and upgrades FY26 guidance
• Meridian Energy shares: Strong customer growth in March
• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week

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.

The Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI) share price is on the move after the aluminium producer posted a net income of US$425 million for the first quarter of 2026, up from US$213 million in the previous quarter, and reported adjusted EBITDA (excluding special items) rising to US$595 million.

What did Alcoa report?

• Revenue of US$3.2 billion for Q1 2026, down 7% from Q4 2025
• Net income attributable to Alcoa: US$425 million (US$1.60 per share), up from US$213 million
• Adjusted net income: US$373 million (US$1.40 per share)
• Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items: US$595 million, up from US$527 million
• Cash balance at quarter end: US$1.4 billion
• No dividend announced for the quarter

What else do investors need to know?

Alcoa reported that alumina production fell 5% sequentially, mainly due to maintenance at Australian refineries, while aluminium output was steady compared to the previous quarter. The company faced shipping delays and lower third-party alumina sales, in part due to Middle East unrest and Cyclone Narelle.

On the capital management front, Alcoa issued a notice to redeem the remaining US$219 million of its 6.125% senior notes due 2028, aiming to strengthen its balance sheet with available cash. The company also safely completed the restart of its San Ciprián smelter in Spain during April 2026, highlighting its operational resilience.

What did Alcoa management say?

Alcoa President and CEO William F. Oplinger said:

Our experienced team performed very well managing the impacts from the Middle East conflict and Cyclone Narelle. We delivered a solid quarter excluding shipment timing impacts, which we expect to realize in the second quarter of 2026.

What’s next for Alcoa?

Looking ahead, Alcoa expects full-year 2026 production and shipments in both its Alumina and Aluminium segments to remain in line with previous forecasts. The company’s focus is on operational stability, especially after the San Ciprián smelter restart, and on optimising costs in the face of variable energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty.

Management flagged shipment timing impacts that are anticipated to benefit results in the second quarter, with higher aluminium prices and product premiums also expected to help earnings. Alcoa maintains an active approach to capital allocation, continuing debt reduction and investments to support long-term growth.

Alcoa share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Alcoa shares have risen 163%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Alcoa posts Q1 2026 result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Insurance Australia Group’s RAC Insurance deal faces ACCC Phase 2 review
• Paladin Energy hikes FY2026 outlook after Langer Heinrich ramp-up
• Zip Co posts record cash EBTDA and upgrades FY26 guidance
• Meridian Energy shares: Strong customer growth in March
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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.

Shares in James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) looked unstoppable to start April.

The ASX heavyweight surged 11% in the first two weeks of the month, riding a wave of optimism. But that rally hit a wall on Thursday, when the stock dropped 4.2% to $28, making it one of the day’s biggest laggards.

So, is this just a minor hiccup for James Hardie shares, or a sign that the momentum has already fizzled out?

Risks investors shouldn’t ignore

The reality is that James Hardie shares are not without its challenges.

The biggest concern remains its heavy exposure to the US housing market. If housing starts slow — or simply stay weak — demand for building materials could soften. That’s been a key factor weighing on the share price recently, and it’s not going away anytime soon.

There are also execution risks tied to its acquisition of AZEK. Integrating a large business is never simple. Management needs to merge operations smoothly, extract promised synergies, and keep costs under control. Any stumble here could quickly show up in earnings.

And then there’s the broader backdrop. Investor sentiment toward cyclical and industrial stocks has been shaky. Even strong companies can get dragged lower when the market mood turns cautious, adding another layer of volatility for shareholders.

Strong foundations still in place

Despite those risks, it would be a mistake to write off James Hardie shares too quickly.

The roughly $15 billion company remains the global leader in fibre cement siding and trim, with a dominant position in the US — its most important market. That scale delivers real advantages, including pricing power and a competitive moat that few rivals can match.

Operationally, the business is still performing well. In its latest quarterly update, net sales jumped 30% to $1.24 billion for the three months to 31 December 2025. Adjusted EBITDA rose 26% to $329.9 million. Those are not the numbers of a company in trouble.

There’s also a compelling long-term growth story unfolding.

The AZEK acquisition has significantly expanded James Hardie’s addressable market. It’s no longer just a siding business. It’s building a broader outdoor living platform across decking, railing, and exterior solutions. If management executes well, this could unlock a new phase of growth.

What do experts think?

Most brokers are upbeat on James Hardie shares and rate them a buy. They have set an average 12-month price target of $39.53, which points to a potential gain of 41% at current levels.

According to broker Morgans, the outlook remains attractive. The firm has a buy rating on James Hardie with a price target of $45.75. Based on the current share price of $28.00, that implies potential upside of roughly 63%, That’s a sizeable vote of confidence.

Foolish Takeaway

Short-term momentum may have stalled, and risks are clearly in play. But the underlying business still looks robust, with strong market positioning and meaningful growth drivers.

For investors, the key question isn’t whether the share price dipped this week, it’s whether the long-term story remains intact. Right now, the answer appears to be yes.

The post Warning sign? James Hardie shares may be losing momentum appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Why the recent ASX share market selloff is a wealth-building opportunity
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• Why are James Hardie shares storming higher today?

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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have been on a wild ride.

The mining giant surged to a 52-week high of $59.39 in early March, only to tumble to roughly $47 soon after. But that wasn’t the end of the story.

Over the past three weeks, BHP shares have clawed their way back to $55.66 at the time of writing, capping off a remarkable 54% gain over the past 12 months.

So, has the easy money already been made, or is there more upside ahead?

Let’s start with the positives

BHP remains one of the lowest-cost producers globally. That’s a huge advantage in a cyclical industry where margins can swing sharply. When commodity prices fall, higher-cost operators feel the pain first. BHP, thanks to its scale and efficiency, can keep generating profits through the cycle.

Then there’s copper. This is where the long-term story gets compelling. As electrification accelerates and the global energy transition gathers pace, demand for copper is expected to surge. BHP has significant exposure to this theme, positioning it to benefit from a powerful structural tailwind.

Add in a strong balance sheet and consistent cash generation, and it’s easy to see why BHP shares remain a core holding for many private and institutional investors. This is a business built to endure — and potentially thrive — through volatility.

Rising energy and labour cost

But there are risks. BHP is highly cyclical and closely tied to global growth. More specifically, it remains heavily reliant on demand from China. If Chinese economic activity slows or stimulus falls short, commodity prices could weaken. That would quickly flow through to earnings.

There are also external pressures to consider. Geopolitical tensions, rising energy costs, and labour inflation all have the potential to squeeze margins.

So what do the experts think?

According to TradingView data, sentiment is mixed but still leans cautiously positive. Twelve analysts rate BHP shares as a hold, while seven have buy or strong buy recommendations. Two sit on the bearish side with sell ratings.

The average 12-month price target is $52.68, below current levels, implying a 5.2% downside from here. That suggests the market sees limited short-term upside after the recent rebound.

But the bulls are still out there. The most optimistic forecasts see BHP climbing to $65.02 and comfortably clear that $60 barrier. This bullish outlook points to a potential gain of around 17% from current price levels.

Foolish Takeaway

BHP shares have already delivered strong gains, and the recent rebound has closed much of the gap to record highs.

Breaking through $60 isn’t out of the question, but it will likely require supportive commodity prices, stable global growth, and continued demand from China.

The post Can BHP shares smash through the $60 record barrier in April? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. 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.

The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) share price is in focus today after the company posted record cash EBTDA of $65.1 million, up 41.5% year-on-year, and upgraded its FY26 guidance.

What did Zip Co report?

• Total transaction volume (TTV) rose 22.4% year-on-year to $4.0 billion.
• Total income increased 20.2% to $335.2 million.
• Operating margin expanded to 19.4% from 16.5% in the prior year.
• Net bad debts were stable at 1.9% of TTV, within management targets.
• Active customers grew 3.5% to 6.5 million at quarter end.
• FY26 group cash EBTDA guidance upgraded to no less than $260 million.

What else do investors need to know?

Zip’s US business delivered standout growth, with TTV and revenue each rising more than 43% year-on-year in local currency. Credit losses in the US remained within target ranges, and management expects these to fall below 1.75% of TTV in the fourth quarter.

In Australia and New Zealand, Zip launched ZMobile, a new capital-light revenue stream. The company also began an on-market share buy-back of up to $50 million in March, having already acquired $21 million of shares by the end of the quarter.

Zip continues to invest in AI capabilities, with 95% of employees using enterprise-grade tools. Funding remains in focus, highlighted by a successful $300 million note issue in Australia and ongoing refinancing work in the US.

What did Zip Co management say?

Group CEO and Managing Director Cynthia Scott said:

Zip’s resilient business model continues to drive increased profitability at scale, delivering record cash earnings of $65.1m, up 41.5% year on year. Operating margin expanded 292bps to 19.4%, reflecting strong unit economics and significant operating leverage. Momentum continued across both markets, underpinned by deepened customer engagement and disciplined execution.

What’s next for Zip Co?

Following its strong third-quarter performance, Zip has upgraded its FY26 group cash EBTDA guidance to at least $260 million and reaffirmed all key target ranges for the year. US transaction volume is forecast to rise over 40% in FY26, while group operating margins are expected to remain above 18%.

Management will focus on balancing profitable growth, controlling credit losses, and building out new products like ZMobile. Zip also plans to continue leveraging its AI initiatives to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

Zip Co share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Zip shares have risen 23%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Zip Co posts record cash EBTDA and upgrades FY26 guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Insurance Australia Group’s RAC Insurance deal faces ACCC Phase 2 review
• Paladin Energy hikes FY2026 outlook after Langer Heinrich ramp-up
• Alcoa posts Q1 2026 result
• Meridian Energy shares: Strong customer growth in March
• ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings this week

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.

While small-cap stocks come with increased volatility compared to blue-chip holdings, there can also be increased upside. 

Fresh analysis from Bell Potter has identified two ASX small-cap stocks that have plenty of potential in 2026. 

Let’s see what is behind the optimism. 

Black Pearl Group Ltd (ASX: BPG)

Blackpearl Group is a data technology platform that develops and operates a lead prospecting and marketing product suite via its proprietary Pearl Engine platform and augmented large language model developed by BPG in 2022. 

The company transforms anonymous, unstructured web visits and data layers into identifiable prospects to significantly increase efficacy for SME ad/marketing spend by targeting prospects with a high intent to buy. 

The company was only first listed on the ASX late last year.

It jumped 5% yesterday, however it is down roughly 20% since its initial listing and is currently trading for 68 cents.

Bell Potter is bullish this small-cap stock can rise. 

In a report yesterday, the broker said Black Pearl Group is set to release its 4Q26 update next week on Tuesday. 

We forecast +22% QoQ/+103% YoY growth in exit ARR to $25.3m, which would represent +$1.6m QoQ and +$12.8m growth YoY.

Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy recommendation, but reduced its price target to $1.76 (previously $1.91). 

From yesterday’s closing price, the updated target still indicates a potential upside of 160%. 

Kinatico Ltd (ASX: KYP)

The second small-cap stock drawing a positive recommendation is Kinatico. 

It is a technology company that helps employers manage their workforce and meet regulatory compliance needs. It operates an online screening and verification service. 

It has been under heavy selling pressure this year, falling almost 58%. 

This includes a 10% drop yesterday. 

Recently, the company provided a Q3 update. 

Bell Potter said SaaS revenue increased by 28% year-on-year and 5% quarter-on-quarter to $5.2 million, in line with expectations. 

Total revenue rose 5% year-on-year but declined 1% quarter-on-quarter to $8.5 million, slightly below the Bell Potter forecast of $8.9 million. 

EBITDA came in at $1.3 million, also marginally below the BPe estimate of $1.4 million.

We have downgraded our revenue forecasts by b/w 3-4% in each of FY26, FY27 and FY28 due predominantly to the current macro environment and the impact this is having on hiring (which impacts the legacy business) and sales cycles (which impacts the SaaS business).

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has reduced its 12 month price target to 36 cents (previously 38 cents). 

However, from yesterday’s closing price, this still indicates an upside potential of 166%. 

The post 2 ASX small-cap stocks tipped to double in the next year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why this small-cap ASX share could double in value

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.

Fortunately for income investors, the Australian share market is filled to the brim with dividend shares.

But which ones could be buys in April?

Let’s look at three that analysts are currently recommending as buys to their clients. They are as follows:

Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP)

UBS thinks that Centuria Industrial REIT could be a top ASX dividend share to buy in April.

It is an industrial property company that owns a portfolio of high-quality industrial assets that is situated in urban infill locations throughout Australia and is underpinned by a quality and diverse tenant base.

UBS believes the company is positioned to pay dividends per share of 17 cents in FY 2026 and in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $2.96, this would mean dividend yields of 5.75%.

The broker also sees 15% upside with its buy rating and $3.40 price target.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

Another ASX dividend share that could be a top buy in April is Sonic Healthcare.

It is a leading pathology and diagnostic imaging provider with operations across Australia, Europe, and the United States.

The team at Bell Potter is positive and thinks it could be a great option. This is based on its belief that the company’s performance is about to improve meaningfully. The broker highlights that this is expected to be “driven by right sizing the business, the impact of acquisitions in FY24 and normalising organic operations post COVID.”

With respect to dividends, Bell Potter is forecasting Sonic Healthcare to pay dividends per share of $1.09 in FY 2026 and then $1.11 in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $20.53, this represents dividend yields of 5.3% and 5.4%, respectively.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $28.75 price target on its shares, which implies potential upside of 40%.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

A third ASX dividend share that could be a top pick for income investors in April is Universal Store.

It is the youth fashion retailer behind the eponymous Universal Store brand, as well as Thrills and Perfect Stranger.

Morgans believes the company’s positive form can continue and expects this to underpin further dividend increases.

It is forecasting fully franked dividends of 41 cents per share in FY 2026 and 46 cents per share in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $7.32, this equates to dividend yields of 5.6% and 6.3%, respectively.

Morgans has a buy rating and $10.60 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of 45% for investors.

The post 3 cheap ASX dividend shares offering 5% to 6% yields (and major upside) appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. 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 Sonic Healthcare and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price is in focus after the company’s March 2026 monthly report revealed retail sales volumes increased 11.4% year-on-year, while national electricity demand jumped 4.5% compared to March 2025.

What did Meridian Energy report?

• Retail sales volumes for March 2026 rose 11.4% year-on-year, with residential segment sales up 27.8%.
• Customer numbers increased 17.7% over the past year, reaching 464,985 connections.
• March generation was 30.7% higher than the same month last year, although average generation price fell by 51.5%.
• National hydro storage remained robust at 106% of historical average, despite monthly inflows at 74% of average.
• FY26 capital expenditure guidance revised down to $280–$310 million (from previous $330–$360 million).
• End of Q3 saw Waitaki catchment storage 39.9% above the previous year, supporting future supply.

What else do investors need to know?

The report highlights a continued fall in ASX electricity forward prices during Q3, reflecting the impact of increased renewable generation investment and new system security agreements. Meridian’s strong March and quarterly results included higher demand from New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS), whose average March load climbed to 575MW from 524MW last year.

Operating costs have increased 4.9% compared to Q3 last year, while capital expenditure year-to-date is up 182.6%, mainly due to substantial investments in ongoing projects. Meridian retains robust water storage levels ahead of winter, which positions the business well for seasonal shifts in demand.

What did Meridian Energy management say?

Meridian CEO Mike Roan said:

We’ve maintained momentum through the March quarter after a very strong half-year result and the lakes are looking really good as we get closer to winter. These things can change, however at this stage we have 40% more water than we did at the same time last year.

What’s next for Meridian Energy?

Looking ahead, management expects further benefits from ongoing investment across the renewables sector, which is already softening electricity prices for both Meridian and its customers. The company’s strong storage position and expanded customer base provide confidence as winter approaches, and Meridian is well placed to manage any seasonal volatility.

Guidance for FY26 capital expenditure has been revised to a lower range, reflecting tight cost management while progressing both operational and growth priorities. Investors can find regular lake level updates and explore Meridian’s operational data on its website.

Meridian Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Meridian Energy shares have declined 14%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Meridian Energy shares: Strong customer growth in March 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.

ASX gold mining stock Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) shares are in focus today after the company released updated results yesterday. 

Genesis is an Australian gold exploration and mine development company. It is focused on advancing its flagship Leonora Gold Project in Western Australia which covers its Ulysses, Admiral, Orient Well, and Puzzle deposits.

Like many other ASX gold mining stocks, the company rose significantly in 2025, but has since been sold-off. 

It remains more than 50% higher over the last 12 months, however has fallen close to 9% in 2026.

Yesterday, the company released its March Quarterly Activities Report. 

What did Genesis Minerals report?

Yesterday, the company reported: 

• Cash and equivalents increase A$196m to A$600m
• Production for nine months to March 31st of 214,636oz at an AISC of A$2,614/oz;
• Gold sales of 65,049oz at an average price of A$6,755/oz, generating revenue of A$439.4m
• Quarterly unaudited NPAT of A$145 – 155m
• FY26 growth capital and exploration outlook maintained at A$260 – 290m.

Speaking on the results, Executive Chair Raleigh Finlayson said:

We continue to generate exceptional free cashflow while also investing in the ongoing growth of our business. “This reflects an ideal combination of rising production from our mines, tight cost control, a robust gold price and no bank debt. “We are also laying the foundations for the next chapter of growth, including the start of site works at the Tower Hill project, and look forward to providing an update on our long-term plan in the September quarter.

Following the release, Genesis Minerals shares dropped close to 1% during yesterday’s trade.

What did Bell Potter have to say?

Following the results, the team at Bell Potter released updated guidance on this ASX gold mining stock.

The broker said the company’s gold revenue was $439m, which missed its estimate of $504m and consensus of $471m. 

Bell Potter also said Genesis Minerals has not experienced any interruption to its fuel supplies to date. 

However, there remains significant uncertainty going forward. According to the broker, both Laverton and Leonora Mills sites are gas powered, and GMD has >3.1Mt of ore stockpiles.

Buy rating retained for Genesis Minerals shares

After its fall so far this year, Bell Potter views Genesis Minerals shares as undervalued compared to other ASX gold mining stocks. 

Our Buy recommendation and $9.90/sh TP are unchanged. We see GMD as undervalued relative to peers, with significant growth potential. The 3Q result demonstrated cost discipline in a challenging environment.

From yesterday’s closing price of $6.67, the price target from Bell Potter indicates an upside potential of 48%. 

The post After a 9% decline, is this once high-flying ASX gold mining stock primed for a rebound? 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.