Category: Stock Market

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares have fallen further into the red in Wednesday morning trade.

At the time of writing, the ASX mining giant’s shares are down around 3% for the day, and are changing hands at $56.98 a piece.

The latest slump means BHP shares have now tumbled 13% from an all-time high recorded in mid-June.

Thanks to a strong rally earlier in the year, the shares are still 25% higher year to date and around 49% higher than this time last year.

What caused the latest sell-off?

Improved copper prices and overall commodity tailwinds helped BHP shares reach a new all-time high in mid-June.

But this was quickly followed by another softening in the price of both copper and iron ore, which dragged BHP shares lower. 

Copper futures are now around US$6.12 per pound, down from a high of around a $6.6 per pound in June. 

Iron ore prices have also fallen close to an annual low of around US$98 per tonne. In mid-May, the metal was trading around the US$111 per tonne mark.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East, sustained inflation concerns, slowing steel demand, and uncertainty about China’s property sector all also weighed heavily on investor sentiment over the past month.

The question now is, what’s next for BHP shares?

Are BHP shares a buy, sell, or hold?

If broker analysis is anything to go by, the mining giant’s shares are now trading around fair value.

Market Index data shows the majority of brokers have a hold rating on BHP shares. Although the average $62.66 target price implies a potential 10% upside at the time of writing.

TradingView data shows the same sentiment. The majority of analysts (13 out of 19) have a hold rating on BHP shares. Another four rate the mining stock as a strong buy, and two rate the shares as a sell or strong sell.

The average $63.54 target price implies a potential 11% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing. But the range between the maximum and minimum target prices is huge. Some forecast the shares to fall around 31% to $39.19. Meanwhile, others are bullish that BHP shares could soar 64% to $93.75 over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Morgan Stanley is one of the more bullish brokers among the bunch. The investment bank recently reaffirmed its buy rating on BHP shares and maintained a 12-month price target of $67.50. The broker likes that BHP is exposed to surging copper demand and thinks the company’s iron ore operations are performing well.

Elsewhere, DZ Bank recently upgraded its stance on BHP shares from sell to hold. The broker has an average price target of $65 per share.

Catapult Wealth also has a buy rating on BHP shares, citing a robust balance sheet and an attractive dividend yield.

Meanwhile, Sanlam Private Wealth has a hold rating on the mining giant and flags concerns around a cost blowout and impairment at the company’s Jansen potash project and the potential for more industrial action at BHP’s Pilbara operations.

The post BHP shares slump 13% from their peak: Are the ASX mining shares a buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why I’d buy BHP and CBA shares in July
• July is historically one of the best months for ASX shares. Can July FY27 deliver?
• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income?
• How should I invest my money in FY27?
• 5 of the best investments on the ASX right now to complement your superannuation

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

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares are back in the red on Wednesday as investors digest the gold producer’s latest update.

At the time of writing, the Ramelius share price is down 3.51% to $2.885.

The move adds to a difficult start to the year for the ASX 200 gold stock. Ramelius shares are now down around 5% over the past month and 30% in 2026.

Ramelius has now closed out FY26, and the market is getting its first look at how the June quarter finished.

Let’s take a closer look at the announcement.

Stronger finish to the year

According to the release, Ramelius produced 53,466 ounces of gold in the June quarter.

That represents a 40% increase on the prior quarter and lifted full-year production to 192,182 ounces.

This means Ramelius finished FY26 inside its guidance range of 185,000 to 205,000 ounces. Management said this was the 6th year in a row that the company has met its production guidance.

The stronger quarter was helped by improved haulage rates, particularly at Dalgaranga, while the Never Never underground operation remained on track.

Managing Director Mark Zeptner said the June quarter was a strong finish to the year and showed “consistent delivery” from the operations team.

Cash and gold balance grows

Ramelius also finished the quarter in a strong financial position.

The company reported underlying free cash flow of $183 million. This included growth capital and exploration, but came before dividends, share buybacks, and tax payments.

It ended June with cash and gold of $649.6 million.

Ramelius also kept returning money to shareholders during the quarter. It paid a fully-franked interim dividend of $54.4 million and completed $30.5 million of share buybacks.

The total buybacks now stand at $140.7 million under the company’s $250 million buyback program.

Why are Ramelius shares falling?

Ramelius hasn’t yet provided final all-in sustaining costs (AISC) for the June quarter. These figures will be included in the full quarterly report, which is due on 29 July.

Until those numbers land, investors don’t have the full margin detail, even though production and cash flow both look healthy.

There is also a lot happening across the project pipeline.

At Mt Magnet, stage one circuit works have started, while stage two and three works are close to completion. The camp expansion, wind project, and major project recruitment are also moving along.

Ramelius is also working through the Edna May Hub transaction. The company estimates this could deliver almost $600 million of pre-tax value once cash, retained free cash flow, and share consideration are included.

The post $650 million in cash and gold, guidance hit: Why this ASX 200 stock is still falling appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources achieves FY26 guidance, grows cash flow and completes Edna May sale
• This ASX gold stock could soar 60% thanks to a big announcement
• 6 ASX gold stocks Morgans rates as a buy
• This beaten-down ASX gold stock is jumping on a $300 million deal
• This ASX gold company’s aggressive M&A program continues with $300 million deal

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.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) shares looked to be finding their feet last week. Not anymore.

The hearing implant leader slipped 2.3% to $124.49 during Wednesday morning trade, putting the brakes on what had been an impressive recovery.

The stock had rallied around 10% last week and is still up 28% over the past month. That’s no small feat after suffering one of the biggest share price collapses on the ASX this year.

But before investors start celebrating, it’s worth remembering the bigger picture. Cochlear shares remain down 52% in 2026 and have lost almost 60% over the past 12 months.

So, is today’s weakness simply a pause after a strong rebound, or are investors being reminded why the shares fell so hard in the first place?

A reality check

It’s easy to forget just how brutal April was. On 22 April, Cochlear dropped a trading update that landed like a lead balloon.

Demand for hearing implants across developed markets came in below expectations. Then, to make matters worse, conflict in the Middle East disrupted shipments and triggered order cancellations.

Management didn’t just trim guidance; it took a chainsaw to it. The company cut its FY26 underlying net profit forecast from $435 million to $460 million down to just $290 million to $330 million.

The market’s response was swift and ruthless. Cochlear shares plunged more than 40% in a single trading session as investors suddenly questioned whether one of the ASX’s highest-quality healthcare companies had lost its mojo.

Since then, the debate has been simple: was this a nasty bump in the road or the start of a much tougher journey?

The bull case hasn’t disappeared

Here’s the thing. Cochlear’s long-term competitive position hasn’t suddenly vanished.

The company still controls around half of the global cochlear implant market, making it the clear industry leader. That leadership has been built over decades through research, innovation, and close partnerships with surgeons and hospitals around the world.

Those advantages are incredibly difficult for rivals to replicate.

The growth runway for Cochlear shares also remains enormous. More than six million people across developed markets are estimated to be eligible for cochlear implants, yet only around 3% have received one.

That leaves plenty of room for future growth as awareness increases, diagnosis rates improve, and hearing technology continues to evolve.

What do the experts think?

Brokers aren’t exactly pounding the table, but neither are they rushing for the exits.

According to TradingView data, most analysts currently rate Cochlear shares as a hold. The average 12-month price target is $127.33, only about 3% above the current share price. In other words, the market thinks the easy money from the recent rebound may already have been made.

That said, there are still plenty of optimists. Six of the 18 analysts covering Cochlear rate the healthcare stock as either a buy or strong buy. The most bullish forecast sees the stock climbing another 38% over the next year.

On the flip side, two brokers recommend selling, with the lowest target price sitting at $95, implying a downside of roughly 23%.

The post Cochlear shares are slipping again. Is the comeback already over? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cochlear shares are flying. Is this just the start?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX healthcare shares have jumped 21% since June. Can the recovery continue?
• 3 ASX shares down at least 50% in FY26
• Healthcare shares lead the ASX 200 again as sector rotation gathers pace

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

The IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) share price is in focus after the company announced it has priced an underwritten public offering of 2,275,000 American Depositary Shares (ADSs), raising nearly US$50 million before costs. The funds will support expansion of IperionX’s titanium production technologies and R&D activities.

What did IperionX report?

• Priced public offering of 2,275,000 ADSs at US$21.98 per ADS
• Gross proceeds of approximately US$50 million (before costs)
• Offering led by US institutional investors
• Funds to be used for commercialising titanium and alloy technology, plus site expansion
• Expected closing date: 9 July 2026 (subject to conditions)

What else do investors need to know?

Each ADS will represent 10 ordinary IperionX shares, with the total 22,750,000 shares to be issued from the company’s existing placement capacity under Listing Rule 7.1. The capital raise is being managed by Cantor as sole bookrunner, with Roth Capital Partners and B. Riley Securities acting as co-managers.

Net proceeds from the offer will be directed towards advancing the scale-up and expansion of IperionX’s Virginia Titanium Manufacturing Campus, furthering its titanium metal research, and developing the Camden-Titan Project in Tennessee. Extra funds will go towards general corporate purposes.

What’s next for IperionX?

With fresh funding, IperionX plans to accelerate the commercialisation of its proprietary titanium technologies and continue building out its production capabilities in the United States. The company sees these investments supporting its goal to become a key producer of high-quality, lower-cost, and more sustainable titanium alloys.

The outlook includes ongoing expansion at core US sites and increased R&D to enhance process efficiencies. Management also flagged continued focus on developing the Camden-Titan Project and supporting general business initiatives.

IperionX share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, IperionX shares have declined 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post IperionX launches US$50m capital raise for titanium expansion appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Atlas Arteria closes IFM takeover and begins board renewal
• Ramelius Resources achieves FY26 guidance, grows cash flow and completes Edna May sale
• ResMed’s $490m MatrixCare sale: What it means
• These ASX tech shares crashed hard. Could they double from here?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares are pushing higher on Wednesday after the company released a senior leadership update.

At the time of writing, the QBE share price is up 2% to $25.49. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.8% to 8,737 points.

The move adds to a strong recent run for the ASX insurance stock, which is now up around 12% over the past month and 28% since the start of 2026.

Here’s what the company told investors.

Senior leader to retire

In a statement to the ASX, QBE said Sue Houghton has advised the company of her intention to retire.

She will step down from her role as Chief Executive Officer for Australia Pacific at the end of 2026.

Houghton has been with QBE for more than 5 years and has spent over 35 years working across financial services.

The Australia Pacific business is one of QBE’s 3 main divisions, sitting alongside North America and International.

Group Chief Executive Andrew Horton said Houghton had made a strong contribution to QBE over the past 5 years and helped the Australia Pacific business improve its performance, capability, and customer outcomes.

He said:

On behalf of the Board and Executive Leadership Team, I thank Sue for her contribution and leadership and wish her every success in retirement.

Houghton will remain in the role while QBE begins a search for her replacement.

What is really moving QBE shares

A senior leadership change could have taken some heat out of QBE shares, but investors seem comfortable with the way this one is being handled.

The stock was already moving higher before the update, with investors backing the insurer after a solid start to 2026.

QBE has been getting support from stronger underwriting, premium growth, and steady demand for large defensive financial stocks.

The timing of Houghton’s exit is also helping. She is staying in the role until the end of 2026, which gives QBE plenty of time to find a replacement and manage the handover.

Can QBE shares keep climbing?

After a 26% gain in 2026, QBE shares have already had a strong run.

But I wouldn’t say the run looks finished just because the stock is near its 52-week high.

The leadership change should be manageable, especially with Houghton staying on until the end of next year.

If QBE keeps underwriting well and claims don’t blow out, I think investors will be happy to stick with it.

The post QBE shares surge again as $37 billion insurance giant faces leadership change appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy now: experts
• QBE shares soar to fresh multi-year high: Here’s what brokers expect next
• Invested in ASX 200 bank shares for dividends? This fundie prefers other stocks
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why has the ASX 200 given up its early rebound today?

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.

Building a reliable passive income stream doesn’t have to mean chasing the ASX dividend shares with the highest yields.

In fact, some of the best income investments are businesses that combine attractive payouts with the ability to grow those payments over time. That’s especially important for retirees, who need their income to keep pace with inflation.

With that in mind, here are two ASX dividend shares I think deserve a closer look.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

APA Group has built one of the strongest income records on the ASX.

The ASX dividend share has increased its annual distribution every year since the mid-2000s, giving it one of the longest uninterrupted distribution growth streaks on the market. Only Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) has a longer record among major ASX companies.

APA expects to pay an annual distribution of 58 cents per security for FY26. At today’s share price, that equates to a distribution yield of around 5.7%, making it highly competitive with even the best term deposit rates.

And the income story may not stop there. It’s expected that APA will increase its annual distribution again in FY27 to around 59 cents per security, lifting the forward yield to approximately 5.8%.

Importantly, APA isn’t funding those distributions by standing still.

The company continues investing heavily in projects that should support higher cash flows over time. It is expanding its East Coast gas grid, progressing early works in the Beetaloo Basin, growing remote power generation in the Pilbara, and building a new gas peaking power station in Queensland.

At its FY26 half-year result, APA reported an organic growth pipeline worth around $3 billion. Those investments should help grow earnings over the coming years and support further distribution increases.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

AGL offers a different type of income opportunity.

The ASX dividend share has fallen around 11% so far in 2026 and remains roughly 20% below its February highs, leaving investors with an attractive dividend yield of approximately 5.7%.

Even better, AGL’s recent dividends have been fully franked, lifting the grossed-up yield to around 8% for eligible investors.

The business also benefits from operating in an essential industry. Regardless of economic conditions, households and businesses still need electricity and gas. That helps underpin demand for AGL’s services and provides a relatively defensive earnings base.

However, investors also need to understand the risks. Australia’s energy sector is undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history. Coal-fired power stations are progressively being retired and replaced by renewable energy generation and large-scale battery storage.

AGL sits at the centre of that transition. The company must invest billions of dollars to modernise its generation fleet while navigating government regulation, wholesale electricity price volatility, and the complexities of the National Electricity Market.

Those challenges create uncertainty, but they also provide opportunities if management executes successfully.

The post Want passive income? These ASX dividend shares keep delivering appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income?
• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?
• How much do I need in superannuation to receive $5,500 per month in passive income?
• Top ASX 200 share of each market sector in FY26
• How to get started with a portfolio delivering $500 a week in passive income

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Atlas Arteria Ltd (ASX: ALX) share price is in focus today after the company announced the close of the IFM Takeover Offer, with IFM subsidiary holding 67.43% voting power. The company also revealed a new interim Chair and details about its ongoing board succession process.

What did Atlas Arteria report?

• The IFM Takeover Offer closed on 7 July 2026, with the bidder securing 67.43% of Atlas Arteria’s voting power.
• Debbie Goodin retired as Independent Non-executive Chair and Director after the offer closure.
• John Wigglesworth appointed Interim Chair of Atlas Arteria Limited and Non-executive Director of Atlas Arteria International Limited.
• Jean-Georges Malcor appointed Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
• The board is accelerating its search for a new independent Chair, considering both internal and external candidates.

What else do investors need to know?

The board has reaffirmed its approach to related party transactions, emphasising that any potential conflicts of interest or material transactions involving IFM will continue to be overseen by independent directors. This is in line with Atlas Arteria’s established practices and existing agreements.

Atlas Arteria also operates an international portfolio, including toll road businesses in France, Germany and the United States. The company’s focus remains on disciplined management and delivering long-term value for investors.

What did Atlas Arteria management say?

Interim Chair John Wigglesworth said:

We are entering a crucial period for Atlas Arteria. As we look ahead after the closure of the takeover offer, the Boards recognise the importance of focusing on optimising value for our investors. We thank Debbie for her significant contribution to Atlas Arteria over many years. Her support for a smooth transition has underscored her relentless commitment to act in the best interests of all securityholders. While the process for determining a new independent Chair of ATLAX continues, I am committed to engaging constructively with IFM.

What’s next for Atlas Arteria?

The board recruitment process for a new permanent Chair is underway, with both internal and external candidates being considered. Until an appointment is made, John Wigglesworth will act as Interim Chair and work constructively with IFM and other stakeholders.

Reflecting its new ownership, Atlas Arteria will maintain strong governance practices around related party decisions and continue to focus on sustainable business practices across its international toll road assets.

Atlas Arteria share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Atlas Arteria shares have risen 1%, slightly trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Atlas Arteria closes IFM takeover and begins board renewal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Ramelius Resources achieves FY26 guidance, grows cash flow and completes Edna May sale
• ResMed’s $490m MatrixCare sale: What it means
• These ASX tech shares crashed hard. Could they double from here?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 blue-chip shares can be one of the smartest ways to build long-term wealth without trying to predict tomorrow’s biggest winner

I’d focus on owning exceptional businesses with strong competitive advantages, proven management teams, and industries that should continue growing regardless of short-term market swings.

With that in mind, these are the three ASX blue-chip shares I’d be comfortable buying today and holding for the next decade.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

Every long-term portfolio deserves exposure to a world-class healthcare company, and CSL remains one of Australia’s best.

The ASX blue-chip share has endured a difficult period following earnings downgrades and acquisition-related concerns, but I see those as execution challenges rather than structural problems.

The biotechnology giant is the world’s second-largest producer of plasma-derived therapies, operating in an industry protected by enormous barriers to entry. Building a global plasma collection network takes decades, billions of dollars, and extensive regulatory approvals, making it incredibly difficult for competitors to catch up.

The long-term investment case remains compelling. Demand for plasma therapies continues to grow, supported by ageing populations, expanding healthcare access, and increasing diagnosis rates for immune disorders.

After its significant share price decline, CSL also trades at a far more reasonable valuation than investors have become accustomed to over the past decade.

For patient investors, this looks like a rare opportunity to buy one of the ASX’s highest-quality businesses at a meaningful discount to its former highs.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

REA Group has quietly become one of Australia’s greatest business success stories.

While many investors think of it as a property company, it’s really a technology platform with extraordinary pricing power and one of the strongest network effects on the ASX.

Real estate agents need to advertise where buyers are looking, while buyers naturally gravitate to the largest property marketplace. That creates a virtuous circle that’s incredibly difficult for competitors to break.

The $19 billion ASX blue-chip share also generates exceptional profit margins and strong free cash flow thanks to its asset-light business model.

Importantly, REA doesn’t need Australia’s property prices to rise forever. Whether people are buying, selling, renting, or simply researching homes, the platform continues attracting millions of users every month.

The company also has additional growth opportunities through mortgages, financial services, and property data, giving it multiple avenues to expand beyond traditional listings.

Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG)

Macquarie is unlike any other financial institution on the ASX.

Often called the “millionaires’ factory”, the company has spent decades building a global investment banking and asset management business with operations spanning infrastructure, renewable energy, commodities, and specialist financial services.

One of Macquarie’s greatest strengths is its ability to adapt. Over the years, the ASX blue-chip share has successfully reinvented its business model several times as markets evolved, allowing it to continue generating attractive returns through very different economic environments.

The company’s global footprint also reduces its reliance on the Australian economy, while its growing infrastructure and renewable energy businesses position it to benefit from long-term structural trends.

Macquarie’s earnings will always fluctuate with market conditions, but its culture of disciplined risk management and capital allocation has consistently created long-term shareholder value.

The post The only 3 ASX blue-chip shares I’d buy and hold until 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How many Westpac shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?
• July is historically one of the best months for ASX shares. Can July FY27 deliver?
• 7 ASX 200 shares given buy ratings this week
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Forget CBA shares, I’d buy these ASX bank stocks instead

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

The Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) share price is in focus today after the miner achieved its FY26 production guidance for a sixth straight year, producing 192,182 ounces of gold and reporting a strong free cash flow of A$138.3 million for the June 2026 quarter.

What did Ramelius Resources report?

• Gold production: 192,182 ounces for FY26, within guidance (185,000–205,000 ounces), up 40% quarter-on-quarter to 53,466 ounces in June quarter
• Underlying free cash flow of A$138.3 million (including growth capital and exploration)
• Cash and gold balance: A$649.6 million at 30 June 2026
• Interim fully franked dividend: $0.03 per share (A$57.3 million) paid in April 2026
• Share buybacks: A$30.5 million in the quarter, total A$140.7 million (56% of announced $250 million program)
• All-In-Sustaining-Cost (AISC) to be finalised in the full quarterly report

What else do investors need to know?

During the quarter, Ramelius executed the sale of its Edna May hub to Forrestania Resources for a revised consideration of A$210 million in cash and A$90 million in FRS shares, with completion targeted for the September 2026 quarter. Upon completion, Ramelius will become a 9.6% shareholder in FRS, continuing to benefit from regional gold expansion.

Operationally, key project developments included the ongoing ramp-up at Never Never and Dalgaranga, advances on the Mt Magnet processing plants and camp expansions, and progress on the hybrid power project. Exploration activities are on track, with a further update due later in July.

What’s next for Ramelius Resources?

Looking ahead, Ramelius expects to finalise and report full financials, including AISC, in its upcoming quarterly report. Key capital projects—including Stage 1 and 2 expansions at Mt Magnet and camp upgrades—are progressing to plan with further milestones slated for the September 2026 quarter.

The company remains focused on disciplined growth, maintaining strong shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks, and value creation through exploration and strategic investments. The imminent completion of the Edna May hub sale will provide additional capital and ongoing exposure to the region’s potential via its FRS shareholding.

Ramelius Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ramelius shares have risen 21%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ramelius Resources achieves FY26 guidance, grows cash flow and completes Edna May sale appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Atlas Arteria closes IFM takeover and begins board renewal
• ResMed’s $490m MatrixCare sale: What it means
• These ASX tech shares crashed hard. Could they double from here?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) are two of the most recognisable ASX shares, and I think they remain interesting for very different reasons.

One is connected to the materials required to build the next stage of the global economy. The other sits at the centre of how Australians save, borrow, and manage money.

Both businesses have already achieved enormous scale. The reason I would still consider buying them is that I think their advantages can continue evolving.

BHP shares

The investment case for BHP is often discussed through commodity prices, but I think the more interesting question is what role the company can play over the next decade.

BHP owns some of the world’s largest resource assets, but scale alone is not what attracts me. What I like is the company’s ability to invest in areas where long-term demand could become increasingly important.

Copper is the obvious example. The global economy is becoming more dependent on electricity, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and new technologies. All of those trends require significant amounts of copper.

I think BHP’s opportunity is that it already has exposure to a commodity with a potentially important role in the future.

The company is also exploring growth through Jansen potash, which gives investors exposure to a different long-term theme. Food production and agricultural productivity are areas with their own structural demand drivers.

The recent challenges at Jansen have been disappointing, and investors are right to pay attention to capital discipline. Large projects need to generate attractive returns.

However, I think BHP’s size gives it options that many resource companies simply do not have. It can manage cycles, invest through uncertainty, and continue looking for opportunities that strengthen its long-term position.

That is why I would buy BHP shares in July.

CBA shares

CBA is a business I think investors sometimes underestimate because banking can appear simple from the outside.

A bank takes deposits, provides loans, and earns the difference. But the strongest banks are built around something deeper: customer relationships, trust, technology, and data.

That is where I think CBA stands out. The company has spent years building one of Australia’s strongest financial ecosystems. Its digital platform, customer base, and brand recognition create advantages that are difficult for competitors to replicate quickly.

I also think CBA’s scale gives it flexibility.

Technology investment is becoming increasingly important in banking. Fraud prevention, customer service, payments, and lending decisions are all becoming more digital. Large banks with significant resources can continue investing in these areas.

The valuation is always part of the discussion with CBA. Investors know it is a high-quality business, and that recognition is reflected in the share price.

But I think quality businesses often deserve a premium when they can consistently defend their position.

For long-term investors, I like the combination of a strong franchise, reliable earnings, and the ability to keep adapting as financial services change.

That is why I would buy CBA shares in July.

Foolish takeaway

I think BHP and CBA appeal for the same underlying reason: both have built positions that are difficult to recreate.

Their industries are different, but both companies have spent decades developing assets, relationships, and capabilities that can continue creating value.

I would expect periods where sentiment changes around both businesses. Commodity cycles move, banking conditions shift, and investors constantly reassess valuations.

But when I look beyond the next headline, I see two companies with the scale and resources to keep finding ways to remain relevant.

The post Why I’d buy BHP and CBA shares in July appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How many Westpac shares do I need to buy for $10,000 of passive income?
• July is historically one of the best months for ASX shares. Can July FY27 deliver?
• Your tax rate just dropped. Here is exactly how much more you will take home from 1 July
• How much do I need in my superannuation to get $6,000 per month in passive income?
• Forget CBA shares, I’d buy these ASX bank stocks instead

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia. 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.