Category: Stock Market

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares are edging lower on Friday morning.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 supermarket giant’s shares are down 0.5% to $21.99.

Why are Coles shares falling today?

Investors appear to be responding negatively to the release of the company’s third-quarter sales update.

According to the release, Coles reported total group sales revenue of $10.7 billion for the 12 weeks to 29 March 2026, representing a 3.1% increase on the prior corresponding period.

The standout performer was the company’s key Supermarkets division, which delivered sales revenue of $9.8 billion. This was up 4% on the prior corresponding period, with comparable sales increasing by 3.6%.

Pleasingly for investors, Coles advised that this represented above-market growth, highlighting the strength of its customer offer and continued execution.

Volume growth impresses

One of the key positives from the update was that sales growth was volume-led, rather than simply being driven by inflation.

Excluding tobacco, supermarket sales increased by 5.7% during the quarter. This was underpinned by Coles’ focus on value, targeted promotions, and strong engagement with its seasonal campaigns.

The company also noted that there has been elevated demand for pantry staples in March in response to geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East.

At the same time, price inflation continued to moderate. Supermarkets inflation excluding tobacco eased to 0.8%, down from 1.7% in the second quarter. This reflected deflation in fresh produce, easing packaged grocery inflation, and increased promotional activity.

Online growth remains strong

Another highlight was Coles’ eCommerce performance.

Supermarkets ecommerce sales rose 24.8% to $1.3 billion, with penetration increasing to 13.6%. Management noted that online momentum remained strong throughout the quarter, with penetration reaching 14.2% in March.

Flybuys also continued to support customer engagement, with active members increasing 5% to 10.3 million.

Liquor disappoints again

The main soft spot in the update was the Liquor business once again.

Liquor sales revenue fell 3.9% to $781 million, while comparable sales declined 4.3%. Management said trading conditions remained competitive and soft, particularly in March as consumer sentiment weakened. This has continued into the fourth quarter.

Management commentary

Commenting on the company’s performance, Coles Group CEO, Leah Weckert, said:

We delivered another strong sales result reflecting the strength of our customer offer and disciplined execution against our strategic priorities. Achieving consistent sales momentum for the period over multiple years demonstrates our commitment to remaining focused on long term outcomes whilst successfully navigating short term volatility in market conditions and supply chains.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Coles said Supermarkets sales growth early in the fourth quarter has remained broadly in line with the third quarter after adjusting for Easter and Anzac Day timing impacts.

However, it warned that it has seen an increase in supplier cost price increase requests and higher costs within its own operations, particularly in fuel, freight and packaging. It is actively managing these and aims to mitigate impacts where possible.

Commenting on its outlook, Weckert said:

We know value and availability will be important to our customers over the months ahead and we are well placed to respond to this with our extensive own brand portfolio, our leading eCommerce platforms and the strength of the infrastructure and capability that sits within our supply chain.

The post Why are Coles shares falling today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are on the move on Friday.

At the time of writing, the banking giant’s shares are up over 1% to $37.11.

This follows the release of its half-year results before the market open.

ANZ shares push higher on results day

For the six months ended 31 March, ANZ reported a 3% half-on-half increase in operating income to $11,204 million. This reflects a 2% decline in net interest income to $8,888 million and a 28% jump in other operating income to $2,316 million.

The highlight of the half was the 22% reduction in operating expenses to $5,534 million. This means that ANZ has now achieved 49% of its gross cost savings target of $800 million in FY 2026.

This underpinned a 51% increase in profit before provisions to $5,670 million for the half.

Provision charges came in at $274 million, compared to $296 million in the previous half. This includes a $175 million charge for the potential impacts of the Middle East conflict.

On the bottom line, ANZ reported a cash profit of $3,780 million for the half. This was a sizeable increase of 70% on the second half of FY 2025.

But despite this profit jump, the bank has elected to pay an interim dividend of 83 cents per share, which is in line with the final dividend of FY 2025. ANZ’s interim dividend will be 75% franked and is scheduled to be paid on 1 July.

‘Transformation is running at pace’

ANZ’s CEO, Nuno Matos, was pleased with the performance. He said:

This half year result demonstrates three things. First, our transformation is running at pace, and we are making good progress in executing our five immediate priorities safely, sustainably, and on time. Second, in parallel, we are investing in line with our ANZ 2030 strategic initiatives, to deliver for our customers, accelerate growth and outperform the market beyond 2027. Third, importantly we are already delivering materially better returns for shareholders.

Commenting on the profit jump, Matos adds:

Our half year cash profit of $3.78 billion was up 14% on the previous half, when excluding significant items, as we simplified our business and reduced duplication and settled long-standing regulatory matters. Importantly, we saw an improvement across all key financial metrics compared with the second half of 2025. This includes return on tangible equity which rose to 11.6% and a cost to income ratio at 49.4%. An interim dividend of 83 cents per share, with franking rising from 70% to 75%, was driven by an improvement in the Australian geography performance.

The post ANZ shares rise after reporting 70% cash profit jump appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• ANZ shares: Profit jumps in 2026 half-year earnings
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares have bounced back strongly, rising 14% in April to finish the month at $42.72.

But zoom out, and the picture looks very different. Despite the recent rally, WiseTech shares are still down around 38% in 2026 and have lost more than half their value over the past 12 months.

So after such a sharp pullback — and a partial recovery — is the valuation finally attractive?

A powerful platform with global reach

WiseTech’s strength starts with its core product. Its CargoWise platform is deeply embedded in global logistics and supply chains. This isn’t simple, plug-and-play software, it’s mission-critical infrastructure for freight forwarders and logistics operators.

The company now serves more than 22,000 logistics businesses across 193 countries, including many of the world’s largest players. That scale matters. Once customers are integrated into CargoWise, switching becomes difficult and costly. That creates a high level of customer stickiness, supporting recurring revenue and long-term growth.

WiseTech is also expanding its footprint. The acquisition of e2open has significantly broadened its network, connecting hundreds of thousands of enterprises across global trade.

AI: Threat or opportunity?

Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest questions hanging over WiseTech shares. Some investors worry it could disrupt software businesses. But the tech company appears to be leaning into it.

The business is embedding AI across its platform to improve automation, decision-making, and operational efficiency for customers. Internally, it is also using AI to boost productivity and reduce costs, with plans to reshape parts of the business over time.

There’s a bigger strategic shift underway, too. WiseTech is moving toward a transaction-based model, where revenue is tied more closely to the value delivered rather than just user numbers.

If AI increases throughput and efficiency, it could actually enhance the value of the platform, not erode it. That potentially strengthens its competitive position and expands its long-term opportunity.

What do analysts think?

Despite the volatility, broker sentiment remains firmly positive on WiseTech shares.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on WiseTech with a $78.75 price target. Based on recent levels around $43.00, that implies close to 85% upside over the next 12 months.

The broader market agrees. According to TradingView data, 15 out of 17 analysts rate the stock as a buy or strong buy, with just two holds. The average price target sits near $77, also pointing to roughly 80% upside. At the bullish end, some forecasts go as high as $121.16, suggesting potential gains of more than 180%.

Foolish Takeaway

WiseTech shares have staged a strong short-term rebound, but remain well below previous highs.

The business still has a powerful platform, global reach, and emerging AI-driven opportunities. While risks remain, particularly around execution and market sentiment, the current valuation may be starting to look far more compelling than it did a year ago.

The post Up 14% in April, is it too late to buy WiseTech shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) share price is in focus after the company announced that 89% of its outstanding US$1,312 million Non-Call 2030 Subordinated Notes have been tendered, and it plans to redeem the remaining notes at par. The group also reaffirmed expected funds from operations (FFO) and distribution growth for 2026.

What did Scentre Group report?

• US$1,169 million (A$1,598 million) of the US$1,312 million Non-Call 2030 Subordinated Notes were tendered, representing approximately 89% participation
• Settlement of the notes is scheduled for 5 May 2026 (New York City time)
• Following redemption, group liquidity will be approximately A$3.2 billion
• FFO is targeted to be at least 23.73 cents per security for 2026, representing at least 4.0% growth year on year
• Distribution per security expected to grow by 4.0% to 18.43 cents for 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Scentre Group intends to restructure its interest rate hedging to maintain coverage in 2026 while increasing hedging in 2027 and 2028. This move is designed to manage interest rate risk amid changing market environments.

The company acknowledged ongoing geopolitical volatility and its potential impact on the consumer and broader economy. Management says it will continue closely monitoring these external influences to inform business decisions and strategy.

What’s next for Scentre Group?

Looking forward, Scentre Group will focus on finalising the redemption of all outstanding Non-Call 2030 Subordinated Notes. Management plans to continue adjusting its capital management and hedging strategies to support future growth and stability.

The company is sticking with its 2026 guidance for FFO and distributions, reflecting a stable and optimistic outlook despite uncertainty in the broader economic environment.

Scentre Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Scentre Group shares have risen 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares have been very strong performers over the past 12 months.

Since this time last year, the ASX defence stock has risen an incredible 670%.

Is it too late to invest? Let’s see what analysts at Bell Potter are saying about the defence and space company following its quarterly update.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter was pleased with the company’s strong cash generation during the first quarter. And while costs were higher than expected, the broker believes this is seasonal. It said:

EOS reported cash receipts of $72.6m in 1Q26 up $49.9m on 1Q25. Operating cash flow was $9.5m compared to $19.3m in 4Q25, a strong print for 1Q26, which is historically a weak quarter reflecting the timing of milestone completions achieved on customer contracts during the quarter. EOS reported a March 2026 cash balance of $95.1m falling $11.8m since 31 December 2025.

Capex was $8.2m during the period running ahead of our $15m CY26 estimate. Annualised operating cash costs were $134.5m which compares to our opex estimate of $124.5m for CY26e the higher print reflected seasonal one-offs such as yearly staff bonus payouts.

Bell Potter also highlights that the company’s order book is growing, which bodes well for its future growth. It adds:

The unconditional contract backlog as at 31 March 2026 is $518m, an increase of $59m on the position at the start of the year. Constructive discussions continue regarding the US$80m HELW contract with Goldrone, with potential conversion to unconditional in 2Q26. EOS continued HELW product discussions with representatives from Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Korea, Australia, and the US.

Is it too late to buy this ASX defence stock?

According to the note, the broker has retained its buy rating on EOS shares with an improved price target of $10.40 (from $9.70).

Based on its current share price of $9.06, this implies potential upside of 15% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

We retain our Buy rating and [increase] our TP to $10.40 on lower CY27e earnings. EOS is positioned as a market leader in C-UAS solutions, particularly in directed energy, and is leveraged to increasing budget allocations to C-UAS technologies. Through both its kinetic and directed energy solutions, EOS has a long runway for growth.

The post Up 670%: Is it too late to buy this ASX defence stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Atlas Arteria Group (ASX: ALX) share price is in focus after the company received an unsolicited takeover offer from IFM Investors. The $4.75 per stapled security cash offer is just under a 10% premium to the previous close.

What did Atlas Arteria report?

• Received an unsolicited takeover offer from IFM Global Infrastructure Fund at $4.75 cash per security
• IFM Investors currently owns about 35% of Atlas Arteria securities
• The offer is conditional on various approvals and consents
• Offer may be increased by 35 cents per security if IFM’s interest rises above 45% before closing
• Atlas Arteria’s closing price before the offer announcement was $4.82 per security

What else do investors need to know?

The Atlas Arteria Board emphasised that it did not solicit this proposal and recommends securityholders take no action at this stage. An Independent Board Committee has been established to carefully consider the offer and provide guidance to investors in due course.

IFM’s takeover bid is subject to multiple conditions, some involving third-party consents that may be difficult to obtain. Securityholders will receive further information through a Bidder’s Statement from IFM, to be followed by a Target’s Statement from Atlas Arteria.

Annual General Meetings for Atlas Arteria Limited and Atlas Arteria International Limited will be held on 13 May 2026. Security holders are encouraged to vote according to director recommendations.

What’s next for Atlas Arteria?

Atlas Arteria has established an Independent Board Committee to thoroughly review IFM’s offer and assess all available options for securityholders. The company will issue its Target’s Statement after receiving IFM’s Bidder’s Statement, expected in mid-May.

In the meantime, investors are advised to wait for the company’s formal recommendation before making any decisions. Atlas Arteria will keep securityholders updated on significant developments through direct communication and ASX announcements.

Atlas Arteria share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Atlas Arteria shares have declined 8%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
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• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is in focus after the company reported its annual Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement, revealing Group Mineral Resources have grown to 31 million ounces of gold and 4.2 million tonnes of copper, with contained gold up by 0.9 million ounces (3%) and reserves growth at key sites.

What did Evolution Mining report?

• Group Mineral Resources: 31 million ounces (Moz) of gold and 4.2 million tonnes (Mt) of copper as at 31 December 2025
• Contained gold up 0.9Moz (3%) year on year, led by Cowal (+1.2Moz) and Northparkes open pits (+0.17Moz)
• Ore Reserves: 12Moz of gold and 1.3Mt of copper, with contained gold reserves up 0.5Moz (5%)
• Copper Mineral Resources were 200kt (4%) lower, mainly due to mining depletion at Ernest Henry and Marsden revisions
• Reserve growth driven by Cowal (+0.67Moz) and Red Lake Tailings (+0.2Moz), offset by some depletion in copper reserves
• Continued exploration success at Mungari and Cowal with extensions to high-grade mineralisation

What else do investors need to know?

Recent drilling at Mungari and Cowal has confirmed promising high-grade gold results. These developments not only support potential mine life extensions but also provide upside for future production at these operations.

The Northparkes expansion study is underway, with completion expected by the end of FY2027. This study is aimed at delivering further Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve growth, particularly for copper. Evolution has also increased its exploration program for FY2026, targeting growth around key assets like Ernest Henry and Northparkes.

What did Evolution Mining management say?

Managing Director and CEO Lawrie Conway said:

Our Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves Statement for December 2025 has seen Group Mineral Resources grow to 31Moz of contained gold. This demonstrates the scale and longevity of our long-life, high-quality portfolio, complemented by our current expansion studies that offer further upside. We also see clear potential to grow copper resources from the current 4.2Mt, with targeted exploration accelerating around Ernest Henry and Northparkes over the next year.

At Cowal, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves have increased, driven by successful extension drilling to the south of Dalwhinnie and deeper drilling at Regal, providing increased confidence in mineable inventory. This positions Cowal for continued organic growth through disciplined resource delineation and execution focused mine planning.

What’s next for Evolution Mining?

Evolution plans to keep growing its resource base through ongoing exploration and technical studies. The company’s Northparkes expansion study, due by the end of FY2027, is expected to add both gold and copper upside.

Guidance for financial year 2026 remains at 710,000 to 780,000 ounces of gold and 70,000 to 80,000 tonnes of copper at an all-in sustaining cost of $1,640 to $1,760 per ounce. The company continues to focus on disciplined development at Cowal, Northparkes, and other core assets.

Evolution Mining share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Evolution Mining shares have risen 54%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
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• Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26
• Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come?
• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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

The Resmed CDI (AX: RMD) share price is in focus today after the company posted third-quarter revenue up 11% to US$1.43 billion and non-GAAP earnings per share up 21% to US$2.86.

What did Resmed report?

• Third-quarter revenue grew 11% to US$1.43 billion (up 8% in constant currency)
• GAAP gross margin increased by 290 basis points to 62.2%; non-GAAP gross margin to 62.8%
• GAAP income from operations up 17%; non-GAAP income from operations up 18%
• GAAP diluted earnings per share of US$2.74; non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of US$2.86 (up 21%)
• Operating cash flow of US$554 million for the quarter
• Returned US$262 million to shareholders via dividends and share buybacks

What else do investors need to know?

Resmed reported broad-based revenue growth across all key regions and product segments, with increased demand for its range of sleep devices, masks, and software solutions. Notably, the US, Canada, and Latin America business (excluding software) rose 9%, while Europe, Asia and other markets climbed 7% on a constant currency basis.

The company also highlighted expansion efforts, including a new US distribution centre in Indiana and the launch of its latest AirTouch F30i Comfort mask. Resmed paid an 87 cent per share quarterly dividend and repurchased 673,000 shares as part of its shareholder returns strategy.

What did Resmed management say?

Chairman and CEO Mick Farrell said:

Our third quarter results reflect the continued strength of our global business, driven by ongoing demand for our market-leading products and disciplined execution of our strategy,”  “Year-over-year, we delivered 11% reported revenue growth, 290 basis points of non-GAAP gross margin expansion, and 21% increase in earnings per share. These results highlight the momentum behind our strategy, and the continued progress we are making in shaping the future of sleep health, breathing health, and healthcare in the home. As we advance through the remainder of our fiscal year 2026, we remain focused on expanding access to care globally, scaling our digital health capabilities, and delivering further strong, profitable growth.

What’s next for Resmed?

Looking ahead, Resmed plans to continue investing in digital health, expand its operational footprint, and launch new products globally. Management signalled ongoing commitment to growing revenue and profits while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and patient outcomes.

The company’s strategy aims to build on recent momentum, leveraging its technology and market reach to improve access to respiratory and sleep health care on a global scale.

Resmed share price snapshot

Ove the past 12 months, Resmed shares have declined 19%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
• Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors
• Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth
• Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come?
• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) are reminding investors why this mining giant rarely stays quiet for long.

After a choppy start to the year, BHP has surged back into form. BHP shares are up around 18% in 2026 so far, including a solid 7% gain in April alone.

That builds on an impressive 41% rise over the past 12 months. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has climbed just 7% over the same period.

So, after a strong run, are there more gains ahead?

Strong operations across key commodities

BHP shares’ recent performance isn’t just market momentum, the underlying business is delivering.

Despite ongoing volatility in commodity prices, the company continues to post strong operational results. Its Western Australian iron ore division has achieved record production levels, while copper output remains solid and is expected to land in the upper half of full-year guidance.

That consistency is crucial. When multiple divisions are firing at once, it supports stable earnings and strong cash flow.

There’s also a powerful long-term theme at play. Global demand for resources like copper is expected to rise as economies transition toward cleaner energy. From electric vehicles to renewable power systems, copper plays a central role and BHP is one of the world’s largest producers.

If that demand continues to grow, BHP shares are well positioned to benefit.

Reliable income with a long dividend track record

BHP isn’t just a growth story, it’s also a major income player.

The company has paid dividends for nearly two decades and typically targets a payout ratio of at least 50% of earnings. That means when commodity prices are strong, shareholders directly share in the upside. Dividend yields often fall in the 4% to 6% range and are usually fully franked, making them particularly attractive for Australian investors.

While payouts can fluctuate with earnings cycles, BHP shares have shown it can deliver meaningful income over the long term.

Financial strength and future growth

Another reason investors continue to watch BHP shares is the miner’s strong balance sheet and growth pipeline.

The company has boosted its financial position through asset sales and strategic deals, generating significant cash and maintaining flexibility. That puts it in a strong position to fund new projects while still returning capital to shareholders.

One key project is the Jansen potash development in Canada, with first production expected around mid-2027. This adds exposure to fertilisers, a new commodity stream that could diversify earnings beyond iron ore and copper.

At the same time, BHP remains focused on low-cost operations and disciplined capital allocation, helping protect margins even as industry costs rise.

What do analysts think?

Broker sentiment is mixed. According to TradingView data, 13 out of 21 analysts rate BHP shares as a hold, six have buy or strong buy ratings, and two suggest selling.

The average 12-month price target sits slightly above the current share price of $54.88. The most bullish forecasts point to around 27% upside, while the most bearish suggest a potential 26% downside.

The post Big gains for BHP shares in April, but is the best still to come? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Scentre Group maintains 2026 growth targets
• Atlas Arteria receives takeover offer from IFM Investors
• Evolution Mining’s 2025 annual statement details resource and reserves growth
• Resmed reports double-digit revenue and profit increases in Q3 FY26
• Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1%

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

The Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) share price is in focus after the company reported a 3.1% rise in group sales revenue for the third quarter of FY26, led by above-market growth in its Supermarkets division and a robust 24.8% increase in eCommerce sales.

What did Coles Group report?

• Total group sales revenue rose 3.1% to $10,703 million for the 12 weeks ending 29 March 2026
• Supermarkets sales revenue reached $9,781 million, up 4.0% year-on-year
• Supermarkets comparable sales increased 3.6%; excluding tobacco, sales grew 5.7%
• eCommerce sales jumped 24.8% to $1,327 million, boosting online penetration to 13.6%
• Liquor sales revenue fell 3.9% to $781 million, with comparable sales down 4.3%
• Other segment revenue was $141 million, relating to the Product Supply Agreement with Viva Energy

What else do investors need to know?

Coles’ Supermarkets continued to outperform the market, driven by volume-led growth, new product launches, and strong customer engagement in promotional campaigns. The company renewed 17 supermarkets and opened two new locations, further growing its national presence.

Despite challenges in the Liquor division—where sales fell and trading conditions remained tough—Coles reported rising customer satisfaction and higher Flybuys engagement, crediting expanded partnerships and streamlined store banners for improved customer experiences. The group now counts 10.3 million active Flybuys members and saw a 75% increase in Coles Plus and Saver subscriptions.

What did Coles management say?

Chief Executive Officer Leah Weckert said:

We delivered another strong sales result reflecting the strength of our customer offer and disciplined execution against our strategic priorities. Achieving consistent sales momentum for the period over multiple years demonstrates our commitment to remaining focused on long term outcomes whilst successfully navigating short term volatility in market conditions and supply chains.

What’s next for Coles?

Coles expects to maintain supermarket sales growth in the early fourth quarter, with a continued focus on offering value to customers as cost-of-living pressures persist. The business is actively managing rising operational costs such as fuel, freight, and packaging, aiming to balance customer affordability with supplier relationships.

In Liquor, softer consumer sentiment is expected to keep sales and earnings under pressure for the rest of the half. The company will continue investing in its own brand portfolio, eCommerce capabilities, and supply chain to meet shifting customer needs and position itself for long-term resilience.

Coles Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Coles shares have risen 3%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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The post Coles Group shares in focus after Q3 FY26 sales rise 3.1% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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