Author: openjargon

ASX gold shares are putting in a mixed performance as the gold price reverses course after a four-day run of gains.

Safe-haven trading inspired a four-day sprint after the US Supreme Court declared US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs illegal.

Trump has responded by slapping a 15% tariff on every nation for 150 days, which means a 50% increase for Australia.

The gold price lifted 2% overnight to close at US$5,209.55 per ounce.

However, the yellow metal has reversed course during intraday trading on Tuesday.

The gold price is currently US$5,183 per tonne, down 0.8%.

This has led to a 1.2% fall in the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) today.

Analysts at Trading Economics said the gold price is falling as traders consider renewed tariff risks and persistent geopolitical uncertainty.

They said nations were reassessing their trade positions after the ruling, despite Trump’s threats of higher tariffs if they “play games”.

The analysts commented:

The EU halted the ratification process of its trade agreement, while India deferred talks with the US.

On the geopolitical front, attention remains on US-Iran nuclear talks, set to resume on Thursday.

Trump said he prefers a negotiated settlement but cautioned that serious consequences could follow if a deal is not reached.

5 ASX 200 gold shares reached record highs today

The day started on a high with five ASX 200 gold shares reaching new record highs, before retreating.

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price rose 5.6% to a record $30.93 this morning.

The market’s largest ASX 200 gold share is now $29.33, up 0.1%.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price rose 5.2% to a new record high of $16.39 in earlier trading.

Now, Evolution shares are $15.38, down 1.3%.

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares lifted 5.7% to an all-time high of $5.16 before reversing course.

The ASX 200 gold share is now $4.81 apiece, down 1.5%.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares rose 4.8% to a record $7.93 apiece this morning.

Now, Westgold Resources shares are $7.68, up 1.4%.

The Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price reached a multi-decade high of $9.22, up 3.6%, in earlier trading.

The ASX 200 gold share is now $8.80, down 1.2%.

What’s next for the gold price?

Shaw & Partners predicts that the gold price will increase to US$6,000 per ounce in CY26.

The broker is tipping a further rise to US$6,500 per ounce in CY27 and US$7,000 per ounce in CY28. 

Bank of America is forecasting gold to reach US$6,000 per ounce this year.

In a note to clients, BoA analyst Michael Hartnett said (courtesy Kitco News):

History no guide to future, but avg gold jump past 4 bull markets ≈ 300% in 43 months which would imply gold reaching $6,000 by spring.

Some analysts are even more optimistic.

René Hochreiter from NOAH Capital Markets and Sieberana Research anticipates a peak gold price of US$6,300 per ounce in CY26.

He comments:

Geopolitical events in 2026 are likely to continue unabated, putting upward pressure on the price.

World governments are building up their gold reserves in anticipation of de-dollarisation. 

Julia Du from ICBC Standard Bank says the gold price could crack US$7,000 per ounce this year.

I expect 2026 to be a year of heightened geopolitical risk and strong safe-haven demand, allowing gold to continue the volatile yet upward trend.

Central banks are likely to keep adding to reserves, institutional investors will increase portfolio allocations, and retail demand – especially in Latin America – should remain robust.

Combined with continued Fed rate cuts, these forces support a bullish bias.

Other experts are less ambitious with their forecasts.

Last month, Goldman Sachs raised its year-end forecast for 2026 to US$5,400 per ounce.

The broker said this prediction is based on two factors:

The first is continued purchases by central banks as they continue to diversify their reserves by buying bullion.

The second is investor allocations into gold thanks to the Federal Reserve rate cuts that Goldman Sachs Research expects to see this year.

Lina Thomas, senior commodities analyst at Goldman Sachs Research, expects volatility for the gold price but also sees a “significant upside” risk to the broker’s forecast.

James Steel from HSBC tips a peak price of US$5,050 per ounce.

Steel says:

The “fear of missing out” has attracted a new coterie of buyers which is injecting added volatility into the market.

Heavy buying by institutional investors including momentum purchases may continue.

Long positions on the CME are high but subject to liquidation. Trading may be characterised by wide ranges this year.

The post Gold price reverses course after 4-day run appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Woodside and these ASX 200 stocks just hit new 52-week highs
• Which ASX 200 mining share chair of the board just sold $51 million worth of stock?
• Buy, hold, or sell? 3 ASX 200 shares at record highs
• Why are ASX 200 gold stocks like Evolution Mining and Northern Star shares going gangbusters on Tuesday?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended HSBC Holdings. 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.

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares are slipping today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline closed yesterday trading for $10.51. During the Tuesday lunch hour, shares are swapping hands for $10.43 apiece, down 0.8%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time.

Today’s underperformance flies against the trend set by the airline over the past two years.

Indeed, if you’d bought Qantas shares at market close on 23 February 2024, you’d be sitting on a capital gain of 96.8% today.

And that doesn’t include the two fully franked dividends, totalling 52.8 cents a share, that Qantas paid out over the last 12 months. As you may know, FY 2025 saw the return of the Qantas dividend, which had been suspended since 2020 amid the global pandemic travel bans.

Qantas stock currently trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 5.1%.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

What to expect from Qantas shares following Thursday’s earnings results?

Qantas shares will be in sharp focus on Thursday, when the company releases its half year earnings results (H1 FY 2026).

As a quick recap, for the full year FY 2025, Qantas achieved an 8.6% year-on-year increase in revenue and other income to $23.82 billion. And the company reported a 28% lift in statutory profit after tax to $1.61 billion.

FY 2025 also saw Qantas complete on-market share buybacks totalling $431 million.

Commenting on what investors might expect for H1 FY 2026, Zavier Wong, market analyst at eToro, said, “Qantas enters its half-year result in a very different position to where it was two years ago.”

According to Wong:

Under CEO Vanessa Hudson, the airline has stabilised operations, rebuilt some customer trust, and returned capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. The big question for this result is whether that momentum is holding.

And, as of early November, it looks like that momentum may indeed be holding.

Wong noted:

Qantas flagged in November that first-half trading was in line with expectations, which is reassuring heading into these results. Both Qantas and Jetstar are seeing stable demand across their respective segments, which is solid rather than spectacular.

The performance of the company’s Jetstar division could also have a significant impact on how Qantas shares move on Thursday.

“Jetstar has been the group’s earnings engine in recent years, posting record profits on the back of strong demand for low-fare travel,” Wong said. “The group is also refocusing Jetstar on Australian operations following the exit of Jetstar Asia.”

Atop the Jetstar results, Wong pointed to another key, and underappreciated, part of the business that could move Qantas shares on Thursday.

He said:

Qantas Loyalty remains one of the most underappreciated parts of the business, consistently delivering strong earnings growth and double-digit membership gains. It’s not always the star of the show, but it’s one of the best businesses in the group.

As for key areas to keep an eye on, Wong concluded, “Investors should watch closely for any dividend or buyback update, and for management’s read on demand heading into the second half and Project Sunrise timelines.”

The post Up 97% in 2 years, can Qantas shares keep the momentum going when the airline reports results on Thursday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 top ASX 200 shares I would buy with $5,000
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• Should you add Qantas shares to an ASX dividend portfolio in 2026?

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) share price is edging higher on Tuesday. This comes after the company released its half-year results for the period ended 31 December 2025.

At the time of writing, shares in the copper and gold producer are up 0.98% to 51.5 cents. The modest gain adds to what has been an extraordinary run for shareholders, with the stock up around 220% over the past 12 months.

Here is what the company reported.

Profit jumps as margins improve

For the half-year, Aeris delivered revenue of $306.3 million, up 5% on the prior corresponding period.

Cost of goods sold fell 9% to $212.8 million, helping drive a sharp lift in profitability. Gross profit rose 57% to $93.5 million, while adjusted EBITDA increased to $133 million from $84.8 million a year earlier.

Net profit after tax (NPAT) came in at $47.9 million, up 62% from $29.6 million in the prior period. Basic earnings per share (EPS) increased to 4.7 cents from 3.1 cents.

Operating cash flow was strong at $97.3 million for the half, supported by improved commodity pricing and steady production across key assets.

Balance sheet strengthened

Aeris finished the half with cash and cash equivalents of $87.9 million, up significantly from $28.2 million at 30 June 2025.

Net assets increased to $452.6 million from $317.7 million at the end of the previous financial year.

Importantly, the company fully repaid and cancelled its $50 million WHSP loan facility during the half. Management said this materially deleverages the balance sheet and reduces future interest costs.

The stronger financial position provides additional flexibility as the company continues to invest in exploration and project development activities.

Operations remain steady

During the half, Tritton copper operations produced 11,141 tonnes of copper, up from the prior corresponding period. Cracow gold operations also delivered solid output.

Higher gold and copper prices provided a supportive backdrop, helping offset cost pressures and underpinning margins.

Globally, copper prices have remained firm amid ongoing supply constraints and steady industrial demand. Gold prices have also traded at much higher levels, supporting revenue for producers with exposure to the metal.

Aeris said it remains on track to meet its FY26 production guidance, with continued drilling and development work underway across its portfolio.

Foolish Takeaway

Aeris Resources delivered a stronger half-year result, driven by higher commodity prices, improved margins, and disciplined cost control.

Profit, cash flow, and net assets all increased, and the company has materially reduced debt by repaying its WHSP facility.

With copper and gold prices remaining supportive, Aeris enters the second half of FY26 in a stronger financial position.

The post Which ASX stock is pushing higher after strong half-year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.1% to 9,020.7 points.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here’s why they are rising:

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

The Cedar Woods share price is up 5% to $8.36. Investors have been buying the property company’s shares following the release of a strong half-year result. Cedar Woods reported record net profit after tax of $39.6 million. This was up 163% on the previous corresponding period. In addition, management upgraded its FY 2026 guidance. It now expects net profit after tax growth of 30% to 35%. This is up from its previous guidance for a minimum of 20%. Cedar Woods’ managing director, Nathan Blackburne, said: “This exceptional first half result helps set the Company up for a record full year profit result. We are upgrading guidance to 30% to 35% NPAT growth, a result that will deliver very strong shareholder return metrics. The upgrade has been made possible by strong sales conditions which has enabled additional price growth, further settlements and significantly lower marketing spend.”

Clearview Wealth Ltd (ASX: CVW)

The Clearview Wealth share price is up 17% to 62.5 cents. This has been driven by takeover news. ClearView advised that it has entered into a scheme implementation deed with Zurich Financial Services Australia. Under the terms of the scheme, ClearView shareholders will receive cash consideration of 65 cents per share.

Emerald Resources NL (ASX: EMR)

The Emerald Resources share price is up 3% to $6.84. This has been driven by the gold miner’s half-year results release. Emerald Resources reported a 7% increase in revenue to $257 million and a 23% lift in profit to $73.1 million. The company said: “Emerald’s operating performance is underpinned by the consistent production achieved by the 100% owned Okvau Gold Mine, which has allowed the Company to invest in its growth strategy within its development and exploration portfolio, whilst strengthening its cash and bullion position.”

Monadelphous Group Ltd (ASX: MND)

The Monadelphous share price is up 8% to $33.09. Investors have been buying this diversified services company’s shares after it released its half-year results. Monadelphous reported a 52.6% increase in net profit after tax to $64.9 million. The company’s managing director, Zoran Bebic, said: “Long-term demand in the resources and energy sectors is expected to continue, supported by an improved global economic growth outlook. Continued investment in new and existing operations in Western Australia’s iron ore sector is driving demand for both maintenance and construction services, with the energy sector to offer substantial prospects.”

The post Why Cedar Woods, Clearview, Emerald Resources, and Monadelphous shares are racing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) shares have soared 9.82% higher on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the shares are trading at $1.90 each.

The latest uptick comes off the back of the company’s latest FY25 results, which it posted ahead of the ASX open this morning.

Despite today’s uplift, the shares are now trading 9.09% lower year to date. They’re also 21.87% below this time last year.

Just last month, the transport fuel supplier revealed a lift in fuel sales volumes and improved margins for the fourth quarter of 2025, despite a softer period for convenience sales.

Here’s what the company posted in its full-year results for 2025 this morning.

EBITDA picks up in the second half of FY25

For the 12-month period ending 31st December 2025, Viva Energy posted a 6.4% decline in its EBITDA (replacement cost) to $700.9 million. 

Results were affected by weak performance in the first half of 2025 in both its Convenience & Mobility (C&M) and Energy & Infrastructure (E&I) business segments. 

Its Geelong Refinery was also impacted by a site-wide power outage in January and by lower output as a result of scheduled major maintenance activity, and commissioned the new Ultra Low Sulphur Gasoline (ULSG) plant in 2H FY25. 

However, the majority of the heavy lifting came in the second half of the year. Viva Energy noted that for the second half of FY25, its EBITDA of $396 million was 33% higher than the prior corresponding period, and up 30% on the first half. 

The company puts this down to improved operational performance and stronger market conditions.

The business also confirmed it has completed the full acquisition of Liberty Convenience and opened 35 new OTR stores (including conversions). It also implemented Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to integrate its various retail businesses and exit the Coles transitional services arrangements. 

“The scale of this work has been significant and has materially strengthened the Group’s retail operating platform,” Viva Energy CEO and Managing Director, Scott Wyatt, said. 

Record results in some segments

Viva Energy’s C&I segment reported its highest-ever sales volumes, which helped support the segment’s $460 million FY25 EBITDA. It also extended its track record of consistent and reliable earnings.

The company also noted a strong earnings result from its C&M segment in the second half of FY25. It said its C&M earnings in H1 FY25 were supported by strengthening fuel margins, acquisition synergies, and realised cost savings.

And a dividend payout confirmed

The board agreed to pay a fully-franked final dividend of 3.94 cents per share. This takes total FY25 dividends to 6.77 cents per share. The record date is 13 March 2026, with a payment date of 31 March 2026. 

Viva Energy said its dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) remains active to support funding for future growth and attract retail shareholders. Eligible shareholders can reinvest their dividends directly into shares at a 1.5% discount.

What’s next for Viva Energy and its shares?

The company said that FY26 represents the final year of retail integration. It plans to open another 40 to 60 new OTR stores (including conversions). These are expected to support improving sales, margins, and earnings momentum through FY26 and beyond. 

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $3.20 target price on Viva Energy shares. This implies a huge potential 68.42% upside for Viva Energy shares at the time of writing.

The post Here’s why Viva Energy shares are flying 10% higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Viva Energy Group FY25 earnings: Higher second-half profit and dividend declared
• ASX 200 energy shares lead the market as oil and uranium prices spike
• Viva Energy shares: 4Q25 sales volumes rise, margins improve

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

It’s been an interesting day on the ASX boards so far this Tuesday. Investors were initially optimistic when the markets opened this morning, sending the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) up 0.3% at one point. But as the day has progressed, investors have lost that sense of optimism for ASX 200 stocks.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is currently down 0.2% at just over 9,000 points.

Despite this haphazard performance, though, we have seen a number of ASX 200 stocks hit new 52-week highs today.

We’ve already covered the fresh record high that BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are enjoying. But BHP is not the only ASX 200 stock breaking new ground this Tuesday.

These ASX 200 stocks just hit new 52-week highs

First up, let’s talk about Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS). This ASX 200 energy stock is enjoying a strong 1.11% bounce at present at $27.40 a share. That’s after Woodside hit a new 52-week high of $27.66 earlier this morning.

It seems we have Woodside’s latest earnings to thank for this new high. As we went through earlier this session, Woodside reported record energy production as well as lower costs.

Despite slight declines in revenue and profit, the company still increased its final dividend to 57 US cents per share, up 11% from 53 US cents last year.

Woodside’s high today was also likely boosted by an overnight increase in energy prices, with Brent crude now back over US$70 a barrel.

But it’s not just Woodside hitting a new 52-week high this Tuesday. We’ve also seen new highs from a bevvy of ASX 200 gold stocks.

Gold stocks bounce back

These include Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), and Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX).

Northern Star clocked a new 52-week (and all-time record) high of $30.93 soon after market open this morning. It’s a similar story with Evolution and Westgold. Evolution reset its own record, hitting $16.39 a share, while Westgold raced to $7.93 a share, a new record.

It’s not hard to see a pattern here. Gold itself has continued to push higher today. After dipping below US$5,000 an ounce earlier this month, the yellow metal looks to be gearing up to have a crack at its own record high. It’s back above US$5,000 at about US$5,177 an ounce at the time of writing after hitting US$5,237 a few hours ago.

Clearly, this recovery in the gold markets has renewed investors’ appetites for ASX 200 gold stocks.

The post Woodside and these ASX 200 stocks just hit new 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Gold price reverses course after 4-day run
• Which ASX 200 mining share chair of the board just sold $51 million worth of stock?
• Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Woodside dividend
• Big ASX news: BHP shares hit new $55 record high
• Buy, hold, or sell? 3 ASX 200 shares at record highs

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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.

Shares in Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) are in the green on Tuesday after the metallurgical coal producer released its full-year 2025 results.

In early afternoon trade, the Coronado share price is up 2.63% to 29.3 cents. Despite today’s gain, the stock has dropped more than 40% over the past month.

Here’s what the company reported for the year.

Revenue slides as coal prices retreat

For the year ended 31 December 2025, Coronado reported revenue of US$1.95 billion, down from US$2.51 billion in 2024.

The company posted a statutory net loss of US$432.1 million, compared with a US$108.9 million loss a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA swung to a loss of US$144.2 million from a positive US$115.1 million in FY24.

The weaker result largely reflected softer metallurgical coal pricing. The average realised metallurgical coal price fell to US$149.3 per tonne in 2025, down from US$185.3 per tonne in the prior year.

Total sales volumes were broadly steady at 15.6 million tonnes, compared with 15.8 million tonnes in 2024. Saleable production increased slightly to 16 million tonnes.

Costs improve but debt position expands

Despite the pricing pressure, the company delivered lower operating costs. Mining cost per tonne sold declined to US$97.5 from US$107.4 in FY24. Operating cost per tonne sold fell to US$132.1 from US$149.2.

However, balance sheet pressure increased. Net debt rose to US$524.1 million at 31 December 2025, compared with US$85.1 million a year earlier.

Management highlighted improved liquidity during the year, including amendments to its Stanwell arrangements and access to additional funding facilities. The company said it has no near-term debt maturities.

FY26 guidance signals production growth

Looking ahead, Coronado expects saleable production of 16 to 17 million tonnes in FY26, supported by a full year of production from the Mammoth Underground mine and the Buchanan expansion.

Average mining cash costs are guided to US$88 to US$96 per tonne, while capital expenditure is forecast to fall to between US$150 million and US$175 million, down from US$245 million in FY25.

Management said the expansion projects are expected to deliver a stronger mine operating cash contribution in 2026, assuming stable market conditions.

Foolish takeaway

Coronado’s FY25 result reflected a challenging year for metallurgical coal pricing, leading to lower revenue and a larger statutory loss.

While costs improved and production growth is expected in 2026, the sharp rise in net debt and coal price volatility remain key risks.

With shares down sharply over the past month, attention will focus on whether higher volumes and lower capex improve FY26 cash flow.

The post Why is this ASX coal share price climbing after a tough FY25 result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is struggling on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 9,003.9 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

The ARB share price is down 15.5% to $20.76. This follows the release of the after-market automotive parts manufacturer’s half-year results. ARB reported a 1% decline in sales revenue to $358 million and a 17.2% decline in profit after tax to $42.2 million. Looking ahead, management advised that it expects sales margins in the second half to be broadly in line with the prior corresponding period. It also advised that its order book remains healthy and investment in new stores and ecommerce continues.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

The Austal share price is down 11% to $5.00. This appears to have been driven by a broker out of Citi this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded this shipbuilder’s shares to a sell rating with a reduced price target of $4.50 (from $6.90). Even after today’s heavy decline, this still implies potential downside of 10% for investors over the next 12 months.

Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD)

The Mader share price is down 10% to $7.97. This follows the release of the specialist technical services provider’s half-year results. Mader revealed net profit after tax of $30.5 million, which was an increase of 17% over the prior corresponding period. Despite this, the company decided to not pay a dividend in order to reduce debt. It said: “The Group has accelerated its pathway to a net cash position by deferring the 1H FY26 interim dividend, bringing forward achievement of its net cash target and strengthening liquidity to support a more aggressive approach to organic and inorganic growth opportunities.”

Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)

The Steadfast share price is down 4% to $4.26. Investors are selling the insurance broker network company’s shares today after it revealed that its long-serving founder-CEO, Robert Kelly AM, is stepping down. Commenting on his exit, Mr Kelly said: “It has been a privilege to play a leadership role in the creation of Steadfast. I am extremely proud of the achievements of the Company; its strong track record clearly demonstrates the strength of the business model and positions the business to deliver sustainable value to our shareholders for many years to come.” Mr Kelly co-founded Steadfast in 1996 and led the company’s listing on the ASX in August 2013.

The post Why ARB, Austal, Mader, and Steadfast shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ARB shares crash 15% after half-year earnings result disappoints investors
• ARB Corporation: Profit drops, but US growth accelerates
• Guess which ASX 200 stock is dropping on founder-CEO exit news
• Should you scoop up Austal shares after yesterday’s 11% crash?
• Are Austal shares a buy after weeks of heavy gains and losses?

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 positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation, Mader Group, and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Mader Group and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The chair of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining company Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) has just sold $51.2 million worth of shares.

Jake Klein is the non-executive chair of the board at the ASX 200 gold miner.

He transitioned to the non-executive chair role last July after serving as executive chair from 2011 to 2025.

Evolution disclosed the trade in a mandatory lodgement last week.

According to the disclosure, Klein sold 3.25 million Evolution shares on-market over four days for an average price of $15.7587 per share.

These transactions total $51,215,775.

Last week’s trades follow another major sell-down six months ago.

Klein sold 4,597,106 Evolution shares for an average price of $7.9491 per share in August.

The total consideration was just over $36.5 million.

Klein also acquired 1,188,931 Evolution shares through the vesting of performance rights at the time.

ASX 200 mining share hits record high today

The Evolution share price rose 5.2% to a new record high of $16.39 in early trading on Tuesday.

Like yesterday, the materials sector is once again leading the market, which may be contributing to Evolution’s share price jump today.

A presentation lodged with the ASX after the market close yesterday may be impressing investors today as well.

The presentation was delivered at the 35th Annual Global Metals, Mining and Critical Minerals Conference in Florida, US.

Evolution Managing Director and CEO Lawrie Conway told attendees that disciplined capital allocation was driving sustained high returns.

Conway noted two “high return” projects, Northparkes and Ernest Henry, have just been approved.

He also discussed organic growth, with the Mungari plant expansion, completed last year.

He also said the Cowal Open Pit Continuation Project, which will extend the mine’s life to 2042, was running ahead of schedule.

Conway said Evolution planned capital investment of between $900,000 and $1.1 million per year in FY27 through to FY30.

What did Evolution Mining report for 1H FY26?

The Evolution share price rose 8.7% when the miner reported its 1H FY26 results on 11 February.

Evolution reported a 110% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $766.6 million.

The company thrilled investors with a record fully-franked interim dividend of 20 cents per share, nearly triple last year’s interim payment.

It appears some profit-taking took place after the results.

The Evolution share price declined 10.5% over the next week, before commencing a sustained rebound last Wednesday.

Klein’s sell-down means he will forgo the record dividend payment on those 3.25 million shares because the ex-dividend date is 3 March.

But Klein still holds 7.75 million Evolution shares, both indirectly and directly, so his next dividend payout will still be a healthy $1.55 million.

Evolution did not provide a reason for either of Klein’s sales this month or last August.

The post Which ASX 200 mining share chair of the board just sold $51 million worth of stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

Shares in gaming company Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) have been out of favour recently, but with little in the way of news flow to explain why.

The company is set to report its first-half results tomorrow, but RBC Capital Markets has got in ahead of the results to publish a bullish report on the stock, which they think is looking cheap at the moment.

Shares on the slide

Firstly, let’s look at how the shares have been travelling recently.

The shares had a huge day in mid-January, when Light & Wonder settled a major lawsuit with fellow gaming company Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL).

Light & Wonder shares jumped about 25% to $193 on the day before settling back a bit as the day went on.

Investors were clearly glad that a lawsuit brought by Aristocrat against Light & Wonder had been settled – for about $190 million – and the company could then get on with business.

The lawsuit was effectively about whether Light & Wonder had used some of Aristocrat’s intellectual property in developing its Dragon Train and Jewel of the Dragon games.

Light & Wonder agreed to stop selling the games and to destroy documents related to the intellectual property.

But while Light & Wonder shares did well on that day, they have crept steadily lower ever since, and are changing hands for just $135.13 now.

Looking like a solid buying opportunity

RBC has just initiated coverage of the stock, and its analysts say the shares are looking cheap.

As they said in a note to clients:

We initiate coverage on Light & Wonder with an outperform rating and a price target of $190 per share, which implies 41% upside from current levels. Having successfully settled the Dragon Train litigation and moved to a sole primary listing on the ASX, the company is well positioned to drive incremental share gains in the higher value segments of a resilient gaming market. Our Outperform rating is based on strong forecast EPS growth (3-year CAGR of 23%), resilient global gaming markets, increasing cashflow generation and improving return on capital. Global gaming markets remain resilient as evidenced by recent gaming machine expenditure data, notwithstanding some concerns about the softness in destination markets. US casino revenue was up 1% in the month of December and it was up 2% in 2025.

RBC also said the company’s acquisition of Grover Gaming in the charitable gaming sector was a strategic move for the company, giving it an entry point into a new sector.

Light & Wonder was valued at $10.85 billion at the close of trade on Monday.

The post Are this gaming company’s shares a buy ahead of results tomorrow? One broker certainly thinks so appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Bell Potter names 3 sold-off ASX 200 shares to buy today
• Are Light & Wonder shares a buy after tumbling 7% yesterday?

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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 Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.