Category: Stock Market

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are marching higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock closed Friday trading for $27.87. During the Monday lunch hour, shares are changing hands for $28.21 each, up 1.2%. 

For some context, the ASX 200 is just about flat at this same time.

Taking a step back, Woodside shares have smashed the benchmark performance so far in 2026.

Year to date, the ASX 200 has gained a modest 1.4%, while the shares in the Aussie oil and gas giant have surged 19.2% this calendar year. That’s despite the stock having retraced by 21.2% from its 7 April multi-year closing high of $35.80 per share.

Atop that market-beating capital gain, Woodside also paid out an 83.5-cent-a-share fully-franked dividend on 27 March. Adding in the interim dividend, the stock trades on a juicy 5.9% fully-franked trailing dividend yield.

As for the sizeable retrace since April, that has come amid fast falling oil prices as the United States and Iran negotiate an end to the war and work to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route. Brent crude oil is currently trading for US$71.80 per barrel, down from more than US$118 per barrel on 29 April. 

But with the stock still up more than 18% over 12 months, is it a good buy today? 

Should I buy Woodside shares today?

Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan recently analysed the outlook for the outperforming ASX 200 stock (courtesy of The Bull). 

“Woodside Energy is a major Australian LNG producer with a portfolio of global gas projects,” he said.

And Halligan sounded an optimistic note on Woodside shares amid its growth projects. He said:

The company is increasing its stake in the Browse joint venture to 41.27% via a US$225 million deal, reinforcing its strategy to extend the life of the North West Shelf.

This adds long term upside along with the Scarborough project, which is 94% completed.

Woodside announced its increased stake in Browse on 12 June, after exercising its pre-emption right to acquire a 10.67% interest from PetroChina. 

“Woodside’s decision to pre-empt reflects our commitment to continue progressing the proposed Browse to North West Shelf development,” Woodside CEO Liz Westcott said on the day. “We see this as a pathway to maximise long-term shareholder value. “

Wescott added:

This acquisition is a disciplined and capital efficient way to align integrated value in these assets for a development with long-term cash flow potential. We will continue working with the Browse Joint Venture to fully evaluate development opportunities.

Despite the long-term upside potential from the company’s growth project, Halligan issued a hold recommendation on Woodside shares for now.

He concluded:

Regulatory uncertainty, rising costs and policy risks in Australia temper the outlook. While growth options are significant, execution and approvals risk support a balanced hold stance at current valuation levels.

The post Up 19%, should I still buy Woodside shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Oil price crash sparks broker upgrades for ASX energy shares
• Woodside shares soared, then stumbled. What’s next for investors?
• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Woodside, PLS Group shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Woodside shares slide amid big leadership news

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.

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) are both major ASX bank shares with large customer bases, strong brands, and attractive dividend profiles. 

They are also both trading well below their 52-week highs. 

Both shares definitely have appeal, but I think one stands out as the better buy.

The numbers

NAB shares are currently trading around $38.57. 

According to CommSec, consensus estimates suggest NAB could generate earnings per share of $2.43 in FY26 and $2.53 in FY27. 

That puts NAB on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of around 15.9 times FY26 earnings and 15.2 times FY27 earnings.

On the dividend side, CommSec estimates dividends per share of $1.70 in FY26 and $1.72 in FY27. That implies forward dividend yields of around 4.4% and 4.5%. 

Westpac shares are trading around $35.69.

CommSec shows the consensus forecasting earnings per share of $2.12 in FY26 and $2.14 in FY27. That puts Westpac on a P/E ratio of around 16.8 times FY26 earnings and 16.7 times FY27 earnings.

Forecast dividends of $1.54 in FY26 and $1.55 in FY27 imply forward yields of around 4.3% in both years.

On these numbers, NAB actually looks slightly more attractive to me. It has the lower forward earnings multiple and a slightly higher forecast dividend yield. 

Why I prefer NAB shares

The numbers are useful, but they are not the only reason I would pick NAB.

The bigger reason is the shape of the business. Australian retail banking is a challenging market. Mortgage competition remains intense, deposit pricing matters, and households are still dealing with cost-of-living pressure and higher interest rates than they enjoyed a few years ago. 

Westpac has a large retail banking franchise, and that gives it scale. But in this environment, I prefer NAB’s stronger exposure to business banking. 

Businesses need credit, transaction accounts, deposits, payments, working capital support, and advice through different parts of the economic cycle. That does not remove risk, especially if the economy slows, but it gives NAB a valuable point of difference. 

I also think business banking relationships can be sticky. A company may rely on its bank for multiple services, which can make the relationship deeper than a simple home loan. That is why NAB looks better positioned to me.

What about Westpac shares?

Westpac is not a bad bank share.

It offers a solid dividend yield, a large customer base, and potential upside if sentiment toward the banking sector improves. Investors who already own Westpac may be happy to keep holding it for income.

But if I were choosing between the two today, I would rather buy NAB.

Its share price has weakened from its 52-week high of $49.45, and I think that pullback has created a more attractive entry point. The valuation is reasonable, the forecast income is attractive, and the business banking skew gives it a stronger case in the current environment.

Foolish Takeaway

I think NAB shares are the better buy.

Westpac still has appeal as a major bank with a solid dividend profile, but NAB gives me a more attractive mix of valuation, income, and business banking exposure.

In a tough retail banking market, that difference is important to me. For investors looking at the big banks today, I would buy NAB shares ahead of Westpac.

The post Better buy? NAB vs Westpac shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• A leading analyst is forecasting growing headwinds for NAB shares. Should investors be worried?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• This is the ASX bank stock I would buy today for franked dividend income
• How to get started with a portfolio delivering $500 a week in passive income
• How much passive income can I earn off a $100,000 portfolio?

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) shares are pushing higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) sleep disorder treatment company closed on Friday trading for $30.50. In afternoon trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $30.58 apiece, up 0.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.1% at this same time. 

Despite today’s bump, though, ResMed shares remain down 22.1% over the past 12 months, compared to the 3% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index. 

Though we shouldn’t dismiss the passive income on offer, especially with ResMed paying quarterly dividends. Over the last 12 months, the stock paid out a total of 24.6 cents a share in unfranked dividends. That sees ResMed trading on a 0.8% unfranked trailing dividend yield.  

But, after a disappointing year of returns – with the stock hit over concerns that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could impact demand for its core sleep apnoea products – is the ASX 200 healthcare stock back in the buy zone?

Should I buy ResMed shares today?

Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan recently ran his slide rule over the ASX 200 healthcare share (courtesy of The Bull).

“ResMed is a global leader in sleep apnoea devices and digital health platforms, benefiting from strong structural demand and resilient clinical positioning,” he noted. 

And Halligan isn’t overly concerned over the impact of GLP-1 drugs.

“Despite the progression in GLP-1 therapies for treating sleep apnoea, ResMed’s CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatments remain superior at this point in time,” he said.

Summarising three reasons you might want to buy ResMed shares today, Halligan concluded, “RMD continues to offer appealing growth, income and defensive healthcare exposure.”

A more bearish take on the ASX 200 healthcare share

Sanlam Private Wealth’s Remo Greco also recently analysed the outlook for ResMed.

“The company makes medical devices to treat sleep apnoea,” he said.

And revenue has been on the upswing.

“The company lifted revenue by 11% in the third quarter of financial year 2026 when compared to the prior corresponding period,” Greco noted.

But Greco is concerned over the potential for GLP-1 to impact future growth.

He noted:

In my view, GLP-1 weight loss drugs may reduce the incidence of sleep apnoea. ResMed’s share price has been volatile in the past 12 months as investors weighed up the company’s outlook in light of popular GLP-1 drugs.

With that in mind, he recommended selling ResMed shares following the stock’s recent rebound from its recent 3 June one-year lows.

“The shares have risen from $25.84 on June 3 to trade at $29.37 on July 2. It may be prudent to sell some shares prior to RMD’s full year result,” Greco concluded.

The post Down 22%! 3 reasons to buy the big dip in ResMed shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 ASX 200 shares to buy now: experts
• Why BHP and these ASX shares could be strong buys this week
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• ASX healthcare shares have jumped 21% since June. Can the recovery continue?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

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

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) shares are pushing higher on Monday after the gold miner reported a strong June quarter and was pulled deeper into a takeover fight. 

At the time of writing, the Regis share price is up 3.62% to $6.87. 

That continues a decent recent run for the ASX gold stock. Regis shares are now up around 15% over the past month and 54% since this time last year. 

Here’s what investors are looking at today. 

Gold production hits the top end

According to the release, Regis produced 101,500 ounces of gold in the June quarter, up 12% on the previous quarter.

This took group gold production for FY26 to 379,000 ounces, which was at the top end of the company’s 350,000 to 380,000 ounce guidance range. 

Duketon produced 236,000 ounces for the year, landing within its 220,000 to 240,000 ounce guidance range. Tropicana produced 143,100 ounces, beating its 130,000 to 140,000 ounce guidance range. 

The company also said it generated $284 million of underlying cash and bullion during the quarter before a $114 million dividend payment, $64 million in tax payments, and a $25 million diesel fuel duty bill. 

By 30 June, Regis had $1.21 billion of cash and bullion on hand, up $692 million across the financial year.

While that’s a solid result, investors will still be closely watching costs in the full June quarter report.

Regis said all material guidance items, including all-in sustaining costs (AISC), would be within its previously guided ranges. 

But AISC is expected to come in towards the top end of guidance.

The full result, including more detail on costs and margins, is due sometime later this month.

Takeover battle takes another turn

The second update today was about Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU).

Regis said it is considering its position and rights after Vault received a rival proposal from Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD).

Regis had already agreed to acquire Vault through a scheme of arrangement. However, Vault has now received an unsolicited offer from Genesis, which the Vault board has determined is a superior proposal. 

Under the Genesis offer, Vault shareholders would receive 0.7629 new Genesis shares plus 47.5 cents cash for every Vault share.

Vault said the offer valued the company at around $5.5 billion.

Regis now has matching rights under its existing agreement with Vault. That gives the company until the end of 10 July to match or beat the Genesis proposal. 

Can the rally continue?

The production update was a good one, and the increase in cash and bullion was hard to fault.

However, the Vault situation has now become the biggest talking point. 

If Regis walks away, some investors may see that as a sensible move. If it lifts its offer, the market will need to decide whether the extra price is worth paying. 

Either way, the next few days could be very busy for Regis shareholders. 

The post Gold, cash, and a takeover twist: Why this ASX 200 gold stock is climbing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Move over Regis Resources! Vault Minerals shares leaping 11% as Genesis Minerals’ lobs $5.6 billion takeover bid
• Genesis Minerals proposes Vault merger to create gold powerhouse
• Vault Minerals receives superior $5.6bn merger proposal from Genesis Minerals
• Regis Resources hits top end of FY26 guidance
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares 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.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares have cooled sharply after one of their strongest starts to a year in recent memory. 

The energy giant surged almost 50% during the first four months of 2026 as oil prices climbed amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Concerns over conflict in the Middle East and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent crude prices higher, helping push Woodside shares above $35. 

Since then, sentiment has shifted. Oil prices have retreated as shipping through the Strait resumed and hopes of a fragile peace agreement between Iran and the United States eased supply concerns. As a result, Woodside shares have fallen around 10% over the past month.

Even so, the stock remains up about 18% year to date, and edged 0.5% higher to $28.01 in Monday morning trade.

So, where do Woodside shares go from here?

A business benefiting from higher energy prices

Woodside remains one of Australia’s largest oil and gas producers, with a globally diversified portfolio of LNG and offshore energy assets.

The company’s earnings remain closely tied to commodity prices, which means periods of elevated oil and gas prices can significantly boost profitability and shareholder returns.

That was evident in Woodside’s March quarter update, released on 29 April. Operating revenue increased 7% from the previous quarter to US$3.26 billion, despite production falling 8% to 45.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe) due to severe weather in Western Australia.

The production decline was more than offset by stronger commodity prices. Woodside’s average realised price rose 11% quarter on quarter to US$63 per barrel of oil equivalent, highlighting the company’s leverage to higher energy prices.

Dividends remain a major attraction

Another key reason many investors continue to favour Woodside shares is income.

The company paid eligible shareholders a fully franked interim dividend of 83.5 cents per share in March. Combined with its fully franked final dividend of 81.8 cents per share, Woodside currently offers a trailing fully franked dividend yield of around 6%.

For income-focused investors, that remains one of the stock’s biggest attractions, particularly if energy prices remain supportive over the medium term.

What do brokers expect?

Analyst sentiment remains cautious but constructive. TradingView data shows that most brokers currently rate Woodside shares as a hold, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding future oil prices after this year’s sharp volatility.

Even so, the average broker price target sits at approximately $32.71, implying potential upside of nearly 17% from current levels. The most optimistic analyst believes Woodside shares could reach $45.41, representing upside of around 62%.

At the other end of the spectrum, the most bearish forecast is $24.61, suggesting downside of roughly 12%.

The wide range of price targets reflects just how dependent Woodside’s outlook remains on global energy markets.

The risks ahead

The biggest risk for Woodside remains the direction of oil and LNG prices. If geopolitical tensions continue to ease and global supply increases, commodity prices could come under further pressure, reducing earnings and cash flow.

At the same time, global economic weakness could soften energy demand, while cost inflation and project execution risks remain ongoing challenges for large-scale LNG developments.

However, if oil prices remain elevated or geopolitical risks flare up again, Woodside’s earnings could strengthen quickly.

The post Woodside shares soared, then stumbled. What’s next for investors? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Woodside, PLS Group shares
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Woodside shares slide amid big leadership news
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• $5,000 invested in Woodside shares 6 months ago is now worth…

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

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are edging lower today. 

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed on Friday trading for $60.50. In morning trade on Monday, shares are swapping hands for $60.45, down 0.1%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is just about flat at this same time. 

Longer term, BHP shares have strongly outperformed the 3% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index, with shares in the ASX 200 mining stock up 56.5% in 12 months.    

And that’s not including the two fully-franked dividends, totalling $1.958 a share, that BHP paid to eligible stockholders over this period

Adding appeal to passive income investors, BHP shares trade on a 3.3% fully-franked trailing dividend yield.

And Catapult Wealth’s Blake Halligan believes the Aussie mining giant is well placed to deliver more outperformance in the months ahead (courtesy of The Bull). 

Here’s why. 

Should I buy BHP shares today?

Citing the first reason he’s bullish on the ASX 200 mining stock, Halligan said, “The global miner holds dominant positions in iron ore and copper and is leveraged to increasing demand during the energy transition.”

Addressing BHP’s recent, costly operational issues at its Canadian potash project, Halligan said:

A review of the Jansen stage 2 potash project in Canada resulted in a cost blowout of about U$S2 billion to US$6.9 billion. Despite the Jansen impairment and the risk of industrial action at iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, near term earnings momentum remains strong.

Despite that cost blowout, Halligan noted, “Elevated copper prices and strong iron ore prices supported performance in full year 2026.”

Summarising the second and third reasons you might want to buy BHP shares today, Halligan concluded, “The balance sheet remains robust with low net debt, while a recent dividend yield above 3% adds income appeal. BHP offers cyclical upside and long-term growth exposure to copper.” 

A slightly less bullish outlook on the ASX 200 mining stock

Sanlam Private Wealth’s Remo Greco also analysed the outlook for the mining giant this week.

And while he has a longer-term bullish outlook on the company, he issued a hold recommendation on BHP shares for now. 

According to Greco:

Several disappointing events have led us to downgrade BHP to a hold. Cost over-runs at its Jansen stage 2 potash project in Canada lifts the investment cost by about US$2 billion to US$6.9 billion.

Possible industrial action, although averted in June, may re-ignite at the company’s iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Any industrial action may impact stock performance.

Longer term, we like BHP’s exposure to copper – the key metal of the future.

The post Up 57%! 3 compelling reasons to still buy BHP shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, sell: BHP, Woodside, PLS Group shares
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• Why BHP and these ASX shares could be strong buys this week
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• 9 ASX 200 shares with renewed buy ratings for FY27

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

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) shares have slipped further into the red in early Monday morning trade.

At the time of writing, the shares have fallen by around 1% to a fresh 52-week low of $10.30 each. 

Today’s decline means the shares are now down around 9% year to date and over 11% below the trading levels seen this time last year. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up just over 1% for the year to date and 3% higher over the past 12 months.  

Why is everyone selling their Origin Energy shares?

Origin Energy was one of the strongest performers on the index in early 2026, but after the energy provider posted its March quarter update in late April, investors rushed to sell off their shares.

The update, which covers Origin Energy’s Integrated Gas, Energy markets, and Octopus Energy segments, revealed declines across the board. The company also downgraded its FY26 EBITDA guidance. 

The sell-off continued through May and June. Now, at the time of writing, Origin Energy shares have lost around 19% of their value since the announcement. 

The share price has fallen around 7% in the first week of July alone.

There haven’t been any price-sensitive updates out of the company recently to explain the sell-off. It looks like the ASX energy stock has come off the boil following lower realised LNG prices and a recent market-wide energy pricing review. 

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and various state watchdogs have mandated that retailers pass on regulatory price cuts. But the adjustments have caused a significant restructure of how power bills are calculated. 

This regulatory scrutiny of electricity pricing has raised concerns that retail margins could come under pressure. And investors are spooked.  

The question now is whether it’s still a good idea to add Origin Energy shares to your portfolio, or whether you should sell up ahead of the next slump. 

Are the energy shares a buy, sell, or hold now?

It looks like the experts are also divided about the outlook for Origin Energy shares over the next 12 months.

Market Index data shows brokers are split between a hold and a buy rating. But after the latest price crash, the $12.73 average target price still implies a potential 23% upside, at the time of writing.

TradingView data shows something very similar. Out of 12 analysts, five have a hold rating, and five have a buy or strong buy rating. Another two analysts rate the energy stock as a sell or strong sell.

But they do all agree an upside is ahead. 

The average $12.15 target price implies a potential 18% upside at the time of writing. And some are tipping the shares to storm up to 30% higher to $13.40 a piece, over the next 12 months.

With lower EBITDA expected for FY26, continued regulatory headwinds, and the potential for oil and LNG headwinds to continue trickling through into FY27, I think we could see even more downside ahead for Origin Energy shares this year.  

The post Origin Energy sell-off continues, shares hit fresh 52-week low: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Trading at 52-week lows, are Origin Energy shares a good passive income buy now?
• Guess which ASX stock is rocketing 10% today?
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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 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.

Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares are charging higher today following an unsolicited binding takeover proposal from fellow S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD).

Vault Minerals shares closed on Friday trading for $4.56. In early morning trade on Monday, shares are changing hands for $5.05 apiece, up 10.8%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time, while Genesis Minerals shares are down 6.7% on the news, trading for $5.87 each.

Here’s what’s happening.

Vault Minerals shares leap on superior $5.6 billion takeover offer

As you may recall, it was only back on 5 May that Vault Minerals announced its intentions to merge with Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL).

(If you’re wondering, Regis Resources shares are up 0.5% today, trading for $6.66 each.)

Under what was labelled a “merger-of-equals”, Regis was planning to acquire 100% of Vault Minerals shares. Vault stockholders would then receive 0.6947 new Regis Resources shares in exchange for their Vault shares.

Commenting on the proposed Regis Resources merger on the day, Vault Minerals CEO Luke Tonkin said:

Vault’s portfolio, anchored by the King of the Hills operation currently undergoing a significant mill expansion, brings long-life, high-quality assets and a strong financial position to the merger.

By combining these strengths with Regis’ proven operational and exploration capability, the merged company is better positioned to deliver sustained production, enhanced reserve replacement and long-term value creation across gold price cycles.

But Genesis Minerals may have thrown a spanner into those plans with a superior takeover offer that was announced this morning.

Under the proposed scheme of arrangement, Vault Minerals shareholders will receive 0.7629 new ordinary shares in Genesis plus 47.5 cents in cash for every Vault share they hold.

The improved takeover offer values Vault at $5.274 per share, or $5.6 billion, based on the Genesis share price at market close on Friday.

That’s 15.7% above Friday’s closing price for Vault Minerals shares. And it represents a 14.5% improvement on the implied offer price from Regis Resources’ takeover offer.

Commenting on the improved takeover offer, the Vault board noted:

In accordance with the Regis SID, Vault has notified Regis that it considers the Genesis Proposal to be a Vault Superior Proposal for the purposes of the Regis SID and that the five business day matching right period has commenced.

During this matching right period, Regis has the right (but not the obligation) to announce or provide a matching or superior proposal to the Genesis Proposal.

Stay tuned!

The post Move over Regis Resources! Vault Minerals shares leaping 11% as Genesis Minerals’ lobs $5.6 billion takeover bid appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Genesis Minerals proposes Vault merger to create gold powerhouse
• Vault Minerals receives superior $5.6bn merger proposal from Genesis Minerals
• Regis Resources hits top end of FY26 guidance
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 3 ASX 200 stocks storming higher this week on big announcements

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.

Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) shares are sinking on Monday, despite the gold and copper miner releasing a strong production update. 

In early morning trade, the Greatland share price is down 5.61% to $11.11. By comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.2% to 8,823 points. 

The fall extends a weaker run for the ASX gold stock. Greatland shares are now down almost 16% over the past month, although they remain around 60% higher since this time last year. 

Here’s what investors were given. 

Production comes in ahead of guidance

According to the release, Greatland produced 79,090 ounces of gold and 3,573 tonnes of copper during the June quarter.  

This lifted full-year production to 328,986 ounces of gold and 14,594 tonnes of copper.

Management said full-year gold production was 6% above the top end of its FY26 guidance range of 260,000 to 310,000 ounces. 

Sales were solid as well, with Greatland selling 74,648 ounces of gold and 5,311 tonnes of copper during the quarter. For the full year, sales came in at 326,859 ounces of gold and 14,729 tonnes of copper.

While the production result was strong, investors will have to wait a little longer for the cost side of the update. Greatland said its all-in sustaining cost (AISC) is still being finalised and will be included in its June quarterly activities report later this month. 

Cash balance moves higher

The balance sheet was another positive part of the update.

Greatland ended June with $1.289 billion in cash, up from $1.208 billion at the end of March. It also had nil debt.

Even after capital expenditure and an $87 million quarterly tax instalment, Greatland still added $81 million of cash during the quarter. 

The company noted that another $20 million of sales were completed in late June, with the cash received after the quarter ended.

Why investors are still selling

Greatland has already had a huge run over the past year, so investors may have been looking for a reason to take some profit off the table.

The missing AISC figure may also be holding back some buyers. Without it, investors don’t yet have the full margin detail, even though production and cash were clearly strong.

Can Greatland shares find support?

I still think this was a good update.

Gold production came in ahead of guidance, cash moved higher, and the company remains debt-free. These numbers give buyers something solid to work with once the selling settles. 

The June quarterly report later this month will be the next key update.

If costs land around expectations, Greatland shares should have a decent chance to find support after this recent pullback.

The post Why this ASX 200 gold stock is falling despite beating guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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.

Superannuation is most likely front and centre for Australians in their mid-60s.

At age 66, Aussies have passed their preservation age (age 60), passed the average retirement age (age 65), and are just one year away from receiving their Age Pension payments (age 67, if eligible).

That means that at the age of 66, it is a great time to start living your dream retirement lifestyle.

But only if you have enough money in your superannuation.

After all, the balance you need at any retirement age depends entirely on your living situation, financial situation, and the lifestyle you want to live when you finally stop working.

Do you want to retire comfortably at age 66? Let’s break down what that might look like and how much money you’ll need.

What does a comfortable retirement lifestyle look like?

In Australia, retirement is generally split into two broad categories: comfortable and modest.

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a comfortable retirement is defined as one that enables retirees to maintain a good standard of living well beyond the age pension. It budgets for expenses beyond a modest retirement, including top-tier private health insurance and regular leisure activities. It allocates funds for home repairs or renovations, and perhaps even an annual holiday.

Meanwhile, a modest retirement is defined as being able to cover expenses just slightly above what the full Centrelink Age Pension would provide from age 67. 

How much does it cost to retire comfortably?

ASFA estimates that a comfortable retirement costs around $55,923 per year for single Australians, and $78,566 for a couple. 

These figures also assume you’ll receive a part Age Pension, that you own your home in full, and that you’ll be able to plan and stick to your financial goals. It would also be wise to have an emergency fund set aside.

What do I need in my superannuation by age 66 to be able to afford that?

In order to fund a modest comfortable retirement, ASFA calculates that single Australians will need around $630,000. Meanwhile, couples will need around $730,000.

But, note that this figure assumes you’ll access your superannuation from age 67. It also assumes you’ll need to fund around 10 years of a comfortable retirement.

If you’re planning to retire slightly earlier, at age 66, it would be wise to factor in one additional year of retirement.

I’ve crunched the numbers using ASFA’s figures to work out what you should aim for. Singles should have closer to $686,000 in their superannuation and couples closer to $809,000 at age 66.

Remember also, that if you don’t own your home outright, you’ll also need to consider how you’ll pay your mortgage or rent on top of your other bills. 

The post How much superannuation do I need to retire comfortably at age 66? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.