Stock Pick

Author: openjargon

  • This ASX gold developer could rise more than 70%: Broker

    Stacked gold bricks.

    WIA Gold Ltd (ASX: WIA) has recently made progress on several fronts at its Kokoseb gold project in Namibia, where it is planning a mining operation valued at US$475 million.

    The progress has piqued the interest of the analysts at Barrenjoey, who have issued a new research report on the company with a bullish share price target, which I’ll get to shortly.

    First, let’s have a look at what the company has been up to.

    Drilling shores up confidence

    Most recently, WIA Gold said in a statement to the ASX that recent drilling results from 33 new holes demonstrated strong grade continuity at the underground resource.

    The central underground exploration target was also extended by 170m to the northeast and continuity of the mineralisation was confirmed for 300m to the southwest.

    Significant assay results included 15.5m at 6.53 grams per tonne of gold from 499.5m.

    WIA Managing Director Henk Diederichs said:

    Our underground drilling programme continues to deliver both scale and grade, reinforcing the underground opportunity emerging beneath the planned open pit at Kokoseb. Recent drilling has extended the Central Underground Exploration Target by approximately 470 metres, while the Southern Underground Exploration Target remains open at depth and continues to return encouraging widths and grades. Results from the Deep High-Grade Exploration Target continue to highlight the broader underground potential of the Project.

    Expansion on the cards

    The drilling results follow WIA announcing in September that a review of their definitive feasibility study had found that an increase in processing throughput from 5.25 million tonnes per year to 7 million was viable.

    The company added:

    Based on a preliminary review, the definitive feasibility study mine schedule could supply a 7Mtpa plant without modification to the underlying mining schedule. No changes to mining costs, Ore Reserves or production schedules have been considered as part of the process plant engineering review.

    Barrenjoey said in its new research note on the company that the new drilling results supported its exploration target of 10 to 15 million tonnes of ore at 2 to 2.5 grams per tonne of gold.

    They added:

    Definition of sufficient high grade material at depth could boost Kokoseb project economics in the future through underground mining.

    Barrenjoey has a price target on WIA shares of 80 cents compared to 45 cents currently.

    The broker said:

    Our valuation is based on an exclusively open pit operation. Underground mining could expand operational mine life and is not included in our current forecasts.

    WIA Gold is valued at $898.5 million.

    The post This ASX gold developer could rise more than 70%: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    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 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.

  • Orora FY26 earnings: Cans strong, Glass under pressure

    A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her

    The Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA) share price is in focus after the company reported underlying NPAT of $142.2 million for FY26 with flat underlying EPS at 11.4 cents per share. While the Cans business delivered robust growth, the Glass division faced ongoing challenges, including a €450 million non-cash impairment.

    What did Orora report?

    • Revenue: Cans revenue up 13.3% to $880 million; Saverglass revenue up 0.8% to €617.2 million; Gawler revenue flat at $284.5 million
    • Underlying NPAT: $142.2 million, down 6% from FY25
    • EBITDA: $420.3 million, broadly flat year on year
    • Underlying EPS: 11.4 cents, unchanged from prior year
    • Net debt: $481.1 million; cash realisation at 98.3%
    • Share buyback: 56 million shares repurchased for $118 million in FY26

    What else do investors need to know?

    Orora’s Cans division enjoyed strong demand, with 6.3% volume growth thanks to capacity expansion and ongoing customer preference for cans. The company’s large-scale Rocklea expansion neared completion, adding further production capacity to the network. In contrast, the Glass business—comprising Saverglass and Gawler—continued to face softer consumer demand, disrupted export markets, and adverse price/mix effects.

    A key development was the €450 million non-cash impairment of the Glass business, reflecting ongoing geopolitical, trade, and market pressures. Saverglass did achieve volume and market share growth, but this was tilted toward lower-margin products. Gawler’s operational shift from three furnaces to two delivered efficiency gains despite subdued market conditions.

    What did Orora management say?

    Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Brian Lowe said:

    While FY26 was certainly a challenging year, it demonstrated the strength of our Cans business, the resilience of our people and our willingness to act when performance does not meet expectations. We enter FY27 having largely completed our Cans capacity expansion program and with a clear plan to improve performance in Glass. Our responsibility now is execution: improving safety, delivering consistently for customers and converting our investments and market positions into stronger earnings, cash flow and shareholder returns.

    What’s next for Orora?

    Looking ahead to FY27, Orora expects continued growth in its Cans business, with volume increases of 4–6% and higher EBIT predicted due to major network expansions. The Glass division is focused on six clear priorities to lift EBIT by over €30 million by FY30, but management warns that Saverglass EBIT will remain under pressure in the short term due to ongoing external challenges.

    The company will keep a sharp eye on economic and geopolitical risks, especially US tariffs and Middle East disruptions, with benefits from Glass turnaround initiatives expected to build later in FY27 and beyond. Continued execution of sustainability initiatives and disciplined capital management remain top priorities.

    Orora share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Orora shares have declined 34%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Orora FY26 earnings: Cans strong, Glass under pressure appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • How much passive income can I earn off a $700,000 superannuation balance?

    Couple on their laptop in their home kitchen.

    A $700,000 superannuation balance is a great starting point. 

    It sits above the $630,000 balance that the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) thinks every Australian needs for a comfortable retirement, and below the asset cut-off point for a part Age Pension payment.

    This amount of money means you’ll be able to live well when you decide to stop working. But if you invest that money wisely, it could also generate an additional passive income that’ll turn a comfortable retirement lifestyle into an affluent one. 

    Think frequent travel, luxury property, and flexible discretionary spending.

    So, how much passive income can you earn off a $700,000 superannuation balance?

    And what ASX shares could you invest in?

    Let’s take a look.

    The calculation

    There is a straightforward calculation to work out what passive income a $700,000 passive income could generate.

    If you multiply your total superannuation balance by the overall dividend yield of your portfolio, it’ll give you the passive income you could generate.

    The answer changes depending on your dividend yield, which helps you identify what you need to invest in to earn the income you want. 

    Generally, as your yield goes up, the passive income you can earn off the same balance also increases.

    How much could I earn off a 2% to 3% yielding superannuation portfolio?

    A 2% yielding portfolio is at the lowest end of the scale. Off a $700,000 superannuation balance, you’d generate around $14,000 in passive income. That’s because $700,000 x 2% = $14,000 in dividend payments.

    It’s not a huge amount, but the benefit of a super low yielding portfolio is that this would generally be focused on traditional and reliable blue-chip shares rather than towards high-growth ASX stocks.

    Think Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), and even CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL). These shares are each huge in scale, have a long history of paying dividends to shareholders, and they yield somewhere in the 2% to 2.5% range, at the time of writing.

    On a 3% yielding portfolio, you could earn a little more, at closer to $21,000 per year in dividend income, off the same balance.

    Stocks around the 3% level typically offer investors a balance between a moderate, reliable passive income, and some capital growth potential.

    Think Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). These powerhouses all offer a yield of around 3% to 3.5% at the time of writing.

    What about a 4% to 5% yielding superannuation portfolio?

    If your superannuation portfolio yields closer to 4% or 5%, you could earn even more, at closer to $28,000 or $35,000 per year in passive income, respectively.

    This is often considered by investors as the “sweet spot” between stability and growth. Companies in this bracket are typically large-scale blue chips, major banks, or defensive infrastructure shares. 

    For example, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Deterra Royalties Ltd (ASX: DRR), Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) all yield around this bracket, at the time of writing.

    What about higher yielding ASX shares, around the 6% to 8% level?

    It’s possible to earn even more if your superannuation investment portfolio is high yield, but this comes with a lot more risk. Investors would need to accept lower growth, or potentially even share price declines, in place of a higher passive income.

    There are still plenty of options around this level, though.

    Some examples are Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN), Premier Investments Ltd (ASX: PMV), or Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK). 

    Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS) also typically offer a higher yield thanks to their predictable rental income. Such as, Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW), Waypoint REIT Ltd (ASX: WPR), and HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN).

    The post How much passive income can I earn off a $700,000 superannuation balance? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Macquarie Group, Transurban Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman, Telstra Group, and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, HomeCo Daily Needs REIT, Macquarie Group, Nick Scali, Premier Investments, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Fletcher Building posts higher volumes in Q1 FY27, residential lags

    Three people at a building site discussing a plan whilst eating.

    The Fletcher Building Ltd (ASX: FBU) share price is in focus today as the company released its first quarter FY27 volume report, highlighting overall sales volumes ahead of the same period last year in most business units and strong momentum in several key segments.

    What did Fletcher Building report?

    • Core business sales volumes in Q1 FY27 were higher than Q1 FY26 in most units
    • Comfortech glass wool sales up 9.0% year on year
    • Fletcher Insulation sales volumes rose 13.6% compared to Q1 FY26
    • Winstone Wallboards domestic board volumes up 7.7% year on year
    • Di mond local volumes grew strongly, up 18.2%
    • Residential units taken to profit declined 38.6% compared to Q1 FY26

    What else do investors need to know?

    While most of Fletcher Building’s core businesses experienced growth, the residential and development division continued to face tough conditions, particularly in the Auckland market. This segment contributed minimally to the group’s half-year results.

    The company noted that Pipeline volumes were lower as customers used stock bought ahead of prior price increases. Seasonal trading patterns broadly matched expectations in other businesses after the end of FY26.

    Ongoing uncertainty around inflation and interest rates continues to cloud the short-term outlook for new construction projects, both commercial and residential.

    What’s next for Fletcher Building?

    Fletcher Building management remains alert to current economic headwinds. The company signaled that forward-looking activity is difficult to predict, citing cautious customers and subdued project pipelines across some markets.

    Fletcher Building expects its Residential & Development business will continue to face challenges, while the core building products businesses remain focused on optimising performance and delivering value to shareholders.

    Fletcher Building share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Fletcher Building shares have declined 4%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Fletcher Building posts higher volumes in Q1 FY27, residential lags appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Insurance Australia Group updates on RAC alliance and ACCC review

    Work colleagues discussing finance charts and graphs on a laptop computer and tablet in their office.

    The Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) share price is in focus today after the company updated the market on its proposed alliance with the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC), highlighting a $1.2 billion lift in annual gross written premium and reaffirming the strategic and financial benefits of the transaction.

    What did Insurance Australia Group report?

    • Proposed RAC alliance adds $1.2 billion in annual gross written premium
    • IAG expects the transaction to be earnings per share (EPS) accretive in the first full year
    • Annual pre-tax synergies of ~$100 million targeted post-integration
    • $15–$25 million in annual integration costs anticipated over the next three years
    • $20 million community investment commitment over the next decade in WA

    What else do investors need to know?

    IAG has addressed competition concerns raised by the ACCC regarding the RAC alliance with a package of commitments, including the sale of renewal rights for NRMA Insurance home and motor policies in Western Australia. The company will also look to expand RAC home insurance product availability in northern WA, where options are currently limited.

    These measures are designed to support public benefits and aim to further build resilience in Western Australian communities. IAG says its public benefits application is now available on the ACCC website, with the review process expected to conclude in December 2026.

    What did Insurance Australia Group management say?

    Managing Director and CEO Nick Hawkins said:

    In light of our commitment to RAC and its members, and in response to the ACCC’s competition decision, we are offering to transfer renewal rights for our active NRMA Insurance home and motor insurance policies in Western Australia to another insurer. Furthermore, we are proposing additional commitments and accountabilities in relation to product pricing and competitiveness of the RAC insurance offering. The commitments will also secure more benefits for Western Australians. This includes making RAC home insurance available in parts of the North West where insurance can be difficult to access today. We have also proposed a $20 million investment in Western Australian communities over the next decade. That’s in addition to RAC’s existing community investment program and reflects our long-term commitment to the state. RAC is a wonderful organisation with a much-loved brand. RAC has chosen to partner with IAG to ensure its insurance offering to members is sustainable into the future, benefiting from our scale, technology and global reinsurance arrangements. We are committed to creating this strategic alliance and are making substantial commitments to RAC, its members and all Western Australians.

    What’s next for Insurance Australia Group?

    Looking ahead, IAG expects approval of the RAC alliance to drive ongoing growth and support its Ambition 2030 targets of a sustainable 15%+ reported insurance margin and 15% return on equity. The company will work through the final stages of the ACCC review, and, if approved, focus on delivering integration synergies and community initiatives outlined in its proposal.

    The alliance also aims to bring greater resilience and access to insurance for Western Australians, especially in regions that have historically faced limited options.

    Insurance Australia Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Insurance Australia Group shares have risen 2%, outpacing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Insurance Australia Group updates on RAC alliance and ACCC review appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Paladin Energy: Q1 FY2027 uranium output and outlook

    a mine worker holds his phone in one hand and a tablet in the other as he stands in front of heavy machinery at a mine site.

    The Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) share price is in focus today after the company reported Langer Heinrich Mine produced 1.00 million pounds of uranium in the first quarter of FY2027 and sold 1.16 million pounds at an average realised price of US$79.4 per pound.

    What did Paladin Energy report?

    • Uranium production at Langer Heinrich Mine: 1.00 million pounds U₃O₈ (vs 1.23Mlb in Q4 FY2026)
    • Uranium sales: 1.16 million pounds U₃O₈ at an average realised price of US$79.4/lb (up from US$70.6/lb)
    • Cost of production: US$61.6/lb (up from US$51.6/lb prior quarter)
    • Capital expenditure: US$6.9 million (Q4 FY2026: US$5.1 million)
    • Cash and investments: US$209 million with an undrawn US$70 million revolving credit facility

    What else do investors need to know?

    Paladin reaffirmed FY2027 guidance for Langer Heinrich Mine, targeting annual uranium production of 5.1 to 5.6 million pounds at a cost of US$44–48 per pound. The company expects production to ramp up in the second half of the year as higher-grade ores are mined.

    On the development front, Paladin took key steps at its Patterson Lake South (PLS) project in Canada. It signed a major Mutual Benefits Agreement with the Birch Narrows Dene Nation and an Administrative Protocol with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, supporting the project’s permitting pathways. Exploration drilling at PLS extended known uranium mineralisation and identified new high-grade zones for follow-up.

    Management reported a steady cash position, with unrestricted cash and investments of US$209 million at quarter-end, and highlighted ongoing efforts to de-risk development projects and responsibly advance global uranium initiatives.

    What did Paladin Energy management say?

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Paul Hemburrow said:

    The quarter has seen steady implementation of our plans in Namibia and Canada. At Langer Heinrich we achieved strong realised prices reflecting the contract book’s leverage to increasing uranium prices. The quarter was impacted by the shutdown and the pit transition, with feed grade, plant performance and in-circuit inventory improving during September. We expect production to increase in the second half of FY2027 and we remain on track to deliver our FY2027 guidance.

    Within Canada we have seen progress across a range of activities with the highlight being the signing of the MBA with Birch Narrows Dene Nation, representing our third agreement of this type with Indigenous Nations. The Administrative Protocol with the CNSC provides further reassurance regarding our pathway to a Construction Licence for the PLS Project, while exploration drilling continues to build confidence about the prospectivity of our landholdings at the Project.

    What’s next for Paladin Energy?

    Looking ahead, Paladin plans to deliver stronger production in the second half of FY2027 as mining advances into higher-grade sections at Langer Heinrich Mine. Management continues to target cost reductions and productivity gains as previously outlined.

    In Canada, Paladin is focused on progressing the Patterson Lake South project towards key permitting milestones, strengthening its project team, and expanding exploration to grow its uranium resource base. The company maintains a prudent financial position to support ongoing development and exploration initiatives.

    Paladin Energy share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Paladin Energy shares have declined 17%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Paladin Energy: Q1 FY2027 uranium output and outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Westpac vs BHP: Which ASX giant is the better buy right now?

    A man smiles as he holds bank notes in front of a laptop.

    Westpac vs BHP shares: Where would I invest $10,000 this week?

    Are you tossing up between Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) for your next $10,000 investment? You’re not alone – both are true giants of the ASX, each representing a pillar of the Aussie market. But apart from sheer size, these companies couldn’t be more different: one is all about steady banking, the other about resources and mining. If you’re weighing up Westpac vs BHP shares, let’s unpack how they stack up right now.

    The case for Westpac

    Westpac has been a cornerstone of Australian finance since its origins as the Bank of New South Wales in 1817. Now one of Australia’s major banks, Westpac offers a mix of consumer, business, and institutional banking across trusted brands like St.George, Bank of Melbourne, BankSA and BT. Its reach covers everything from everyday banking to large-scale corporate finance.

    A few fundamentals stand out for Westpac:

    • Fully franked dividends: As of the latest data, Westpac pays a 4.57% dividend yield with 100% franking credits. Those dividends appear steady, with recent payouts at $0.77 per share.
    • Valuation: Westpac’s P/E ratio sits at 16.62, based on an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.029.
    • Reliable payouts: Dividend history shows consistent, fully franked dividends paid on a regular basis, which can mean stability for income-focused investors.

    On the flip side, the year-to-date (YTD) return is -10.65%, signalling recent share price weakness.

    The case for BHP

    BHP Group previously known as BHP Billiton, is a global mining powerhouse and one of the biggest listed companies in Australia. From iron ore and copper to coal and nickel, BHP rides the waves of the international commodity cycle. That makes it a go-to for investors looking for resources exposure and the potential upside from rising commodity prices.

    For BHP, here’s what jumps out:

    • Strong recent momentum: BHP’s share price has delivered a positive YTD return of 39.28% – that’s a significant run-up, especially against the backdrop of a weakening broader market.
    • Dividend muscle: The current yield is 3.97%, with dividends fully franked and notably high dollar payouts (dividend per share $2.42, as per the latest figures).
    • Earnings power: BHP’s EPS clocks in at $1.932, with a P/E ratio of 21.96 – higher than Westpac’s, which reflects either loftier earnings expectations or recent share price strength.

    As a resources stock, BHP’s fortunes are more closely tied to global commodity demand and prices, so expect higher volatility compared to the banks.

    Valuation comparison

    Let’s line up the key numbers:

    Westpac BHP
    Market Cap $115.33 billion $309.83 billion
    P/E Ratio 16.62 21.96
    Dividend Yield 4.57% 3.97%
    Dividend per Share $1.54 $2.42
    Franking 100% 100%
    Earnings per Share $2.029 $1.932

    BHP commands a higher P/E, likely due to its strong recent momentum or differing market expectations. Both offer full franking on dividends, but Westpac edges ahead on yield.

    Recent share price momentum

    Comparing recent share price momentum up to 9 October:

    • Westpac closed at $33.72, barely changed from the previous day, though recent weeks have seen more down days than up. Its YTD return sits at -10.7%.
    • BHP closed at $60.94, recently coming off a minor dip but sitting much higher for the year, with a YTD return of 39.3%.

    These figures show recent investor enthusiasm is firmly with BHP, while Westpac shares have lagged.

    Which is the better buy?

    If I were putting $10,000 to work this week, my pick would be BHP. That’s mostly down to momentum – BHP’s share price has soared nearly 40% this year, while Westpac has struggled. Usually I’d pause after such a strong run, but BHP’s global exposure to commodities could keep driving performance if demand holds up.

    Yes, Westpac pays a higher dividend yield (and also with full franking credits), which can tempt income seekers. But, with its share price going backwards and little growth on offer in the near term, it looks stuck in neutral compared to BHP’s dynamism.

    Valuation-wise, Westpac’s lower P/E ratio does make it look more attractively priced on headline numbers, but the banking sector’s outlook remains challenged by slower lending growth and ongoing regulatory headwinds. BHP’s higher multiple reflects a market willing to pay up for outsized earnings potential.

    It’s not a one-sided contest – a contrarian might fancy Westpac for dividends and a recovery. But for me, given the current data and recent price momentum, BHP offers broader exposure and the best mix of growth and income opportunities right now.

    The post Westpac vs BHP: Which ASX giant is the better buy right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. 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 draft. 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.

  • Bitcoin tipped to surge past key psychological level

    Gold Bitcoins lying on a global finance currency chart with arrows shooting higher.

    The price of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has been tipped to move back above US$100,000, with one of Wall Street’s major holders of the cryptocurrency making the call.

    The Bitcoin price has spent most of this calendar year below the US$80,000 level, before making a recovery in recent weeks.

    It is now changing hands for US$83,415.

    Cryptocurrency price forecast to head north

    But Strategy Inc Executive Chair Michael Saylor, in a new interview with Bloomberg Television, said the bear market in Bitcoin was over.

    He said:

    It should definitely move back into the six figures beyond US$100,000. We hit the bottom around slightly below US$60,000, I think we bounced off it. Now, we are moving up into the 80s.

    According to financial publication The Street, Mr Saylor’s prediction mirrors forecasts by Citi, which has a 12-month Bitcoin price target of about US$113,000, and TD Cowen, which is forecasting US$109,000 by the end of the year.

    The Street was reporting that Strategy itself holds 848,250 Bitcoin.

    Big investor very bullish on the outlook

    Major technology fund manager ARK Invest also recently published a review of the cryptocurrency market, which reiterated its view that Bitcoin would hit around US$1 million by 2030.

    They said:

    The market for smart contract networks and pure-play digital currencies—the latter which serve as stores of value, mediums of exchange, and units of account on public blockchains—could grow at an annual rate of ~61% to $28 trillion in 2030. We believe bitcoin could account for 70% of the market, the balance dominated by smart contract networks like Ethereum and Solana. Based on ARK’s forecast, bitcoin is likely to dominate the market cap for cryptocurrencies, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~63% during the next five years, from nearly ~$2 trillion to ~$16 trillion by 2030.

    ARK’s forecasts are based on their thesis that Bitcoin will be used as “digital gold” representing a safe haven investment.  

    ARK said that in 2025, Bitcoin ETF balances grew by 19.7%, while public company holdings grew by 73%.

    They added:

    As a result, the percent of bitcoin outstanding held by ETFs and public companies increased from 8.7% to 12%.

    Market watchers are waiting for the release of US inflation figures early Friday morning Australian time, with higher numbers expected to be a drag on the Bitcoin price.

    Over the past year, Bitcoin has returned negative 26.3%.

    The cryptocurrency was trading for US$115,278 a year ago, and hit lows of about US$58,000 in early July.

    The post Bitcoin tipped to surge past key psychological level appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Evolution Mining lifts cash flow and holds full year guidance in September quarter

    Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.

    The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is in focus after the company reported quarterly group operating cash flow of $775 million and maintained its FY27 production and cost guidance.

    What did Evolution Mining report?

    • Gold production of 154,000 ounces and copper production of 18,000 tonnes for the September quarter
    • Group all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,653 per gold ounce, among the lowest in the sector
    • Operating mine cash flow of $775 million; net mine cash flow of $466 million, with all operations positive
    • Group cash flow of $185 million, boosting net cash to $141 million
    • FY27 Group guidance maintained across all key measures

    What else do investors need to know?

    Evolution’s safety performance improved, with a total recordable injury frequency (TRIF) of 5.8, down from the previous quarter. All growth projects at Cowal, Northparkes and Ernest Henry remain on schedule and budget.

    During the quarter, the Board approved $72 million (Evolution share) for the Northparkes Concentrate Regrind and Filtration Project, aiming to boost mineral recoveries and concentrate grade. Exploration spending was $24 million, with key drilling results at Ernest Henry and Cowal indicating further organic growth potential.

    On the corporate front, Evolution advanced its proposed acquisition of Carnaby Resources, expected to complete in November subject to shareholder approval. There were also Board changes, including the retirement of Tommy McKeith and the appointment of John Vann as a Non-Executive Director.

    What did Evolution Mining management say?

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Lawrie Conway said:

    After the first quarter we remain on track to deliver to all key FY27 Group guidance measures, albeit after a slower start than expected for the September quarter. Our focus on preserving our margin, complemented by the upside from our copper exposure, resulted in an All-in Sustaining Cost of A$1,653 per ounce, below the low end of Group guidance at a margin of 73%. Mine operating and net mine cash flow of $775 million and $466 million were also at a high margin of $4,973/oz and $2,990/oz respectively. With a production profile that is set to grow in the quarters ahead, significant cash flows are expected in FY27.

    What’s next for Evolution Mining?

    Evolution is sticking with its FY27 group guidance, with production expected to be weighted toward the second half of the year as new mining areas come online. Key growth projects—like the E22 block cave at Northparkes, Bert development at Ernest Henry, and underground expansion at Cowal—are all progressing to plan.

    The company will also focus on organic growth through ongoing exploration, while integrating any new assets added from acquisitions. Capital management remains a priority, with 27 consecutive dividends paid and a strong liquidity position.

    Evolution Mining share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Evolution Mining shares have risen 13%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Evolution Mining lifts cash flow and holds full year guidance in September quarter appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

  • Rio Tinto provides Q3 2026 production update

    Two miners laughing and having fun while using smart phone during their coffee break.

    The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price is in focus today after the miner delivered strong third-quarter 2026 production results, highlighted by a 29% year-to-date lift in Oyu Tolgoi copper output and a 3% rise in global iron ore sales.

    What did Rio Tinto report?

    • Oyu Tolgoi copper production up 29% year-to-date; Q3 output reached 114,000 tonnes (+27% YoY).
    • Global iron ore sales of 90.8 million tonnes for the quarter, up 3% from Q3 2025.
    • Pilbara iron ore sales increased 2% YoY to 85.7 million tonnes in Q3.
    • Lithium carbonate equivalent production rose 33% year-to-date to 40,300 tonnes.
    • Alumina production grew 10% YoY, with stable aluminium output and progress on Pacific smelter repowering.
    • Year-to-date capital release exceeded US$2 billion under its US$5–10 billion program.

    What else do investors need to know?

    Rio Tinto maintained its full-year production and unit cost guidance across key commodities. While the company faced higher diesel costs and foreign exchange impacts, these were managed within existing forecasts. Major projects like the Simandou iron ore ramp-up and aluminium repowering initiatives remain on track.

    The group highlighted robust operational momentum heading into year-end, supported by ongoing initiatives to boost safety, productivity, and reliability. In the third quarter, it signed further power agreements and progressed capital release efforts, including divestments in desalination and surplus land.

    Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove volatility in energy and freight markets, but Rio Tinto’s operations continued with minimal disruption. The company continues to monitor supply chain risks and maintain contingencies.

    What did Rio Tinto management say?

    Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott said:

    We delivered strong operational performance in the third quarter. Oyu Tolgoi copper production increased 29% year-to-date, with the operation running at a ~450 kt annualised rate in the quarter, and global iron ore sales are up 3% year-to-date. The Simandou iron ore mine hit an annualised production run-rate of ~10 Mtpa (100% basis) in the quarter as the project continues to ramp up.

    We are finishing the year with momentum, with significant opportunities to accelerate improvements in safety, productivity and reliability through implementation of our operating system. We remain on track for a $1.8 billion annualised productivity benefit run-rate by the end of 2026. Our major projects remain on schedule and budget, underwriting our growth profile to 2030.

    We made further significant steps in decarbonising our business in the third quarter, with our Pacific Aluminium smelter repowering arrangements now well progressed.

    Today, we announce that we have achieved more than $2 billion of capital release year-to-date, as we actively manage our portfolio with discipline to maximise long-term value, as part of the $5 to 10 billion capital release program.

    What’s next for Rio Tinto?

    Looking ahead, Rio Tinto expects to maintain its operational momentum with major projects such as Simandou iron ore, Brockman Syncline 1, and new lithium developments progressing on schedule. The business remains focused on capturing a US$1.8 billion productivity benefit by the end of 2026 and advancing its decarbonisation goals, including further aluminium smelter repowering.

    Exploration and evaluation spending has risen, especially in copper. The company will continue its disciplined approach to capital allocation, with further asset sales expected to deliver on capital release targets.

    Rio Tinto share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Rio Tinto shares have risen 26%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has fallen 2% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Rio Tinto provides Q3 2026 production update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.