Category: Stock Market

It’s been a fairly miserable day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and many ASX 200 shares so far this Wednesday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has retreated by 0.1% after briefly rising into green territory this morning. But let’s talk about what’s going on with ASX uranium shares.

Unlike the broader market, ASX uranium shares are well and truly in demand this session. Take the Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) share price. Boss Energy shares are currently outperforming the broader market, up a healthy 0.7% at $4.13 each so far.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares are doing even better, presently up a rosy 1.14% at $13.73 each.

But ahead of the pack is the Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) share price. Deep Yellow stock has rocketed a hefty 3.3% at this point of the trading day. That puts the company at $1.47 a share.

The BetaShares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM) is also doing well. It’s currently enjoying a 1.68% lift up to $9.70 a unit.

So what’s going on here? Why are these ASX uranium shares outperforming the ASX 200 so comprehensively this Wednesday?

Why are ASX uranium shares going gangbusters today?

Well, there’s been no major news or announcements out of any of the shares listed above that might easily explain this bullishness we see from ASX investors.

However, another development could be a factor here.

This morning, the Federal Opposition gave the Australian public some concrete details about its plans to establish a domestic nuclear energy industry.

Nuclear energy has been banned in Australia for decades. The only reactor on Australian soil is currently used to produce nuclear medicines. There are no nuclear power plants in the country.

But if the Opposition has its way, this is set to change. This morning, Liberal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton outlined a plan to build up to seven new nuclear reactors on the sites of decommissioned (or soon-to-be-decommissioned) coal-fired power plants.

Dutton revealed two sites in New South Wales, two in Queensland and one each in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. They include NSW’s Liddell Station, the Loy Lang site in Victoria and the Tarong Station in Queensland.

Here’s some of what Dutton said in the press release today:

And today, we announce seven locations, located at a power station that has closed or is scheduled to close, where we propose to build zero-emissions nuclear power plants…

Each of these locations offer important technical attributes needed for a zero-emissions nuclear plant, including cooling water capacity and transmission infrastructure, that is, we can use the existing poles and wires, along with a local community which has a skilled workforce.

A key advantage of modern zero-emissions nuclear plants is they can be plugged into existing grids. This means they can effectively replace retired or retiring coal plants…

Dutton’s plan would see the first nuclear plants operational from 2035 to 2037. This could be characterised as optimistic, given that a recent CSIRO report found that it would take at least 15 years for Australia to build and fire up a nuclear plant. That would make for a 2040 start at the earliest.

A nuclear Australia

But putting that aside, it’s unlikely that Dutton’s announcement today will herald any new significant business opportunities for ASX uranium shares. Stocks like Boss Energy and Deep Yellow already have eager markets for their uranium across North America, Europe and Asia.

As my Fool colleague Bernd put it back in March:

Now even if Australia opts to eventually embrace nuclear power, ASX uranium shares are unlikely to see any domestic demand for their product for many years yet.

But even so, it’s entirely possible that Dutton’s announcement today is what is giving investors a sentiment boost.

There is arguably already an expectation that global uranium demand will only grow in the years ahead as other countries around the world swap coal for uranium. Today’s announcement from the Liberal Party does nothing to dent this narrative.

The post Here’s why ASX uranium shares like Deep Yellow are running hot today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is the slashed Sonic Healthcare share price a ‘buying opportunity’?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX 200 dips on RBA interest rate decision
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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

Over the last 12 months, Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares have underperformed the market

During this time, the supermarket giant’s shares have lost 16% of their value. As a comparison, the ASX 200 index is up 6.5% over the same period.

So, unless there’s a significant rally over the remainder of this month, it’s looking like FY 2024 is going to be one to forget for shareholders.

But will things be better in FY 2025? Let’s have a look.

Will Woolworths shares perform better in FY 2025?

The next financial year looks set to be an eventful one for Woolworths and its shares.

This is because the supermarket industry is currently being looked at by regulators due to price gouging allegations.

It’s fair to say that the outcome of these inquiries could have a major say in the performance of Woolworths shares.

In fact, the bullish analysts at Goldman Sachs have named it as a risk factor for investors to consider. They said:

Key downside risks: Worse AU food volumes, increase in competitive intensity, online sales underperformance, retail media benefits not materializing, poor management of cost inflation. Worse than feared ACCC inquiry outcomes.

But if all goes to plan, Goldman sees big returns on the cards for investors in FY 2025.

Big return potential

According to a recent note out of the investment bank, its analysts have a conviction buy rating and $39.40 price target on its shares.

If Woolworths shares were to end the financial year where they currently trade and then rise to that level in FY 2025, it would mean a very attractive return of 18% for investors. In addition, a ~3% dividend yield is expected over the next 12 months.

Goldman thinks the company’s shares are great value right now. Especially given its defensive qualities. It said:

WOW is the largest supermarket chain in Australia with an additional presence in NZ, as well as selling general merchandise retail via Big W. We are Buy rated on the stock as we believe the business has among the highest consumer stickiness and loyalty among peers, and hence has strong ability to drive market share gains via its omni-channel advantage, as well as its ability to pass through any cost inflation to protect its margins, beyond market expectations. The stock is trading below its historical average (since 2018), and we see this as a value entry level for a high-quality and defensive stock.

The post Could Woolworths shares beat the market in FY25? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy these ASX shares for a winning retirement portfolio
• Tax-busters: 5 fully-franked ASX dividend shares I’d buy for FY25
• 3 reasons to be positive on ASX 200 shares in FY25 (and 3 to be wary)
• Where Aussies are spending their money, and the ASX shares that could benefit
• How much could a $10,000 investment in Woolworths shares become in one year?

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 Goldman Sachs Group. 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 Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price is marching higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) global wine company closed yesterday trading for $12.08. In early afternoon trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $12.26 apiece, up 1.5%.

That handily beats the 0.1% loss posted by the ASX 200 at this same time.

As you can see on the chart above, the Treasury Wine share price has been a strong performer in 2024, up around 14%. That compares to a roughly 2% gain delivered by the benchmark index year to date.

This outperformance is in part fuelled by investor enthusiasm over the reopening of Chinese markets to Aussie wine imports. Australian wine joined a host of other commodities on China’s naughty list in 2020 after the Aussie government called for an investigation into the origins of the Covid virus.

Treasury Wine stock also trades on a partly franked trailing dividend yield of 2.8%.

Here’s why the stock looks to be beating the ASX 200 again today.

Treasury Wine share price lifts amid key board appointment

Investors may be bidding up the Treasury Wine share price after the company announced the appointment of Leslie Frank as non-executive director of the board.

The appointment could be stirring investor interest as Frank brings some strong credentials to the table.

Among these, she founded the luxury wine business Frank Family Vineyards, located in the Napa Valley in the US state of California. Treasury Wine acquired the business in 2021.

Frank is also an Emmy Award-winning journalist. According to the release, she’s worked in major US television markets, including reporting and anchoring at the number one-rated KABC in Los Angeles and KCPQ in Seattle.

That’s the kind of exposure that could prove a boon for future marketing activities.

Commenting on the appointment that appears to be helping the Treasury Wine share price beat the ASX 200 today, chairman John Mullen said, “I am delighted to welcome Leslie Frank to the board.”

Mullen continued:

Since founding Frank Family Vineyards in 1992, Leslie’s innovative and entrepreneurial approach to luxury brand building, coupled with her expertise in digital marketing, design and hospitality, resulted in the creation of the truly outstanding luxury business that it is today.

Her in-depth knowledge of the US wine industry, luxury brand and consumer engagement insights, and deep relationships within the Napa Valley make her the ideal candidate for the Treasury Wine Estates board.

Frank’s appointment will be effective from 1 July.

Management noted this remains dependent on approvals from a number of Australian state-based liquor licensing authorities.

The post Here’s why the Treasury Wine share price is beating the ASX 200 today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 top ASX growth shares to buy in June
• What is boosting the Treasury Wine share price on Thursday?
• Up 12% in 2024, this ASX 200 stock is a top pick for June
• Analysts say these 5 ASX 200 growth shares are top buys
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

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

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares have not only gained 28.5% over the past 12 months, they’ve also delivered shareholders some term deposit-beating passive income.

In fact, the most recent fully franked interim dividend the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank stock delivered was the biggest payout since the pre-pandemic year of 2019.

So, how much passive income might I expect if I invested $20,000 in Westpac shares today?

We’ll get to that in just a tick.

But first…

Trailing yields and diversification

Before diving in, keep in mind that a proper passive income portfolio will contain a lot more than just one stock. While there’s no magic number, 10 is a decent ballpark figure, ideally operating in different sectors and across various locations.

That kind of diversity will reduce the overall risk to your income portfolio.

Second, be aware that the yields you generally see quoted are trailing yields. Future yields may be higher depending on numerous company-specific and macroeconomic factors.

While we can look at forecast yields, these are just that. Forecasts. Sometimes they’ll prove true. Sometimes they won’t.

As for the future passive income on offer from Westpac shares, I do like the past four years growth trend. The ASX 200 bank’s yearly dividend payouts have risen every year since 2020. And the interim dividend paid out in 2024 continues this growth pattern.

With that said…

Tapping Westpac shares for passive income

Turning to the past 12 months, on 19 December eligible Westpac shareholders will have received a fully franked final dividend of 72 cents per share. That was up 12.5% from 64 cents per share the prior year.

The interim dividend of 90 cents per share, also fully franked, will land in eligible shareholders’ bank accounts next week, on 25 June. It’s a bit too late to score that passive income payment, as Westpac stock traded ex-dividend on 9 May.

All told then, Westpac paid a total of $1.62 a share in dividends over the past year.

At the current share price of $27.15, the ASX 200 bank stock trades on a fully franked yield (partly trailing, partly pending) of 6.0%.

Getting back to our headline question then, how much passive income might I get if I invested $20,000 in Westpac shares right now?

Well, with $20,000 I could buy 736 Westpac shares today with enough change left over for a cheeseburger.

With 736 shares, I could then expect $1,192 in annual passive income from the big four bank, with potential tax benefits from those franking credits.

Of course, I’ll also be hoping the Westpac share price continues to outperform.

The post Here’s how much passive income I’d get if I invested $20,000 in Westpac shares now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What’s the outlook for the Westpac share price in FY25?
• How to invest for retirement in an inflationary environment
• Tax-busters: 5 fully-franked ASX dividend shares I’d buy for FY25
• Is there any chance of an interest rate cut in Australia next week?
• Big bank bargain: Are this week’s tumbling ASX 200 bank shares a good buy?

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.

Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models and recommendations again. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes this week.

Three ASX shares that brokers have named as buys this week are listed below. Here’s why their analysts are feeling bullish on them right now:

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this energy producer’s shares with a trimmed price target of $1.75. This follows the announcement of the outcomes of the company’s strategic review. The broker notes that the outcomes were largely as expected, with strong cost out targets and capital discipline. Combined with its production guidance for FY 2025, Bell Potter has adjusted its earnings estimates through to FY 2026 and valuation accordingly. And while its valuation has been lowered, it still sees plenty of value on offer with its shares at current levels and retains its buy rating. The Beach Energy share price is currently trading at $1.45.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating on this location technology company’s shares with an improved price target of $17.75. This follows news that the Life360 app has surpassed 2 million paying circles. Bell Potter notes that this was notably ahead of its expectations. In fact, the broker was only expecting 1.98 million at the end of the first half. It feels this bodes well for the company going into the seasonally strong third quarter of the year. In light of this, its analysts appear confident that the company is destined to deliver another strong result in FY 2024. The Life360 share price is fetching $15.77 on Wednesday afternoon.

Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV)

Analysts at Morgan Stanley have retained their overweight rating and $39.50 price target on this retail giant’s shares. According to the note, the broker continues to believe the market is under-appreciating the growth potential of the Peter Alexander brand. It also feels that the market is doubting its ability to expand into the lucrative UK market due to competition concerns. However, Morgan Stanley doesn’t believe this is the case and highlights that the UK sleepwear market is highly fragmented with no true market leader. It believes this gives the Peter Alexander brand a great opportunity to penetrate the market. The Premier Investments share price is trading at $29.34 today.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Beach Energy, Core Lithium, Helia, and Red 5 shares are dropping today
• Buy this ASX 200 energy stock if you want a big return
• Should you buy Life360 shares after its latest stunning milestone?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why Beach Energy, Fortescue, Kina Securities, and Melbana Energy shares are dropping today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Premier Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down slightly to 7,775.4 points.

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

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is down almost 5% to $1.46. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Citi this morning. In response to its strategic review, the broker has downgraded the energy producer’s shares to a sell rating with a trimmed price target of $1.40. It was disappointed to see that Beach Energy’s strategic review revealed higher than expected capex with no boost to medium-term production. In light of this, it feels its shares are overvalued at current levels.

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)

The Core Lithium share price is down over 3% to 8.7 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium miner on Wednesday. However, it is worth noting that a number of ASX lithium stocks are in the red today. This follows another poor session for global lithium giants on Wall Street overnight. Core Lithium’s shares are down over 90% since this time last year. It was forced to suspend mining activities indefinitely due to falling lithium prices.

Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI)

The Helia Group share price is down almost 18% to $3.48. This follows news that Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) intends to issue a request for proposal relating to its external Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) requirements for the whole CBA group. While this could mean a bigger contract for Helia. It could also mean the loss of the lucrative contract. Helia notes that its current contract represented approximately 53% of its gross written premium in FY 2023. Clearly, the loss would be a devastating blow to the company.

RED 5 Limited (ASX: RED)

The RED 5 share price is down over 2% to 4.4 cents. This morning, the company revealed a number of changes to its executive leadership following the successful implementation of the merger with Silver Lake Resources Ltd (ASX: SLR). Its chairman said: “Under the leadership of Luke Tonkin as Managing Director and CEO, supported by a high calibre executive leadership team, I am confident we have the team in place to oversee the next chapter of the Company’s growth.”

The post Why Beach Energy, Core Lithium, Helia, and Red 5 shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 stock plunges 15% on CBA deal news
• Buy this ASX 200 energy stock if you want a big return
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why Beach Energy, Fortescue, Kina Securities, and Melbana Energy shares are dropping today
• Core Lithium share price hits a multi-year low: Will the tide change soon?

Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. 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.

In today’s investment landscape, many Aussies are on the lookout for passive income that offers not only a steady cash flow but also the potential for capital growth.

Among the many options for generating passive income, dividend shares are a standout.

Let’s delve into three ASX dividend shares that offer a solid track record of delivering consistent dividends to their shareholders. These ASX shares play a crucial role in their respective sectors, making them even more attractive investment options.

APA Group (ASX: APA)

First up is APA Group, a major player in Australia’s energy sector. The company manages the country’s largest network of natural gas pipelines, placing it in a critical position in the energy supply chain.

With a strong focus on growing and managing its assets efficiently, APA Group has a solid track record of delivering dividends to its shareholders.

Over the past decade, APA Group has consistently raised its dividends from 38 cents per share (cps) to 56 cps in the 12 months to December 2023.

However, the past year has been challenging for its shareholders. The APA Group share price dropped 16% over the 12 months due to market concerns about the shift to electricity and related regulatory issues.

Despite these challenges, this dip could present a buying opportunity for dividend-focused investors, as APA Group currently offers a dividend yield of 6.6% at its current share price of $8.39.

Sonic Healthcare (ASX: SHL)

Sonic is all about healthcare, providing essential diagnostic services like lab tests and radiology worldwide. Its work supports doctors and hospitals in delivering patient care, and with a global presence, Sonic’s diversified operations make it a resilient choice for investors.

Plus, its history of providing consistent dividends makes it an attractive option for income-focused portfolios.

Like APA Group, Sonic has consistently raised its dividends and now pays more than $1 annually — $1.05, to be exact. This represents a dividend yield of 3.95% at the current share price of $26.56.

Recently, the company downgraded its earnings outlook for FY24 as it faces inflationary pressures and currency exchange headwinds.

While this has pushed down the Sonic share price to its near three-year low, insiders are buying the shares at these levels, as my colleague Tristan highlighted.

Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)

Last but not least, I think the insurance brokerage firm Steadfast is worth considering for dividend investors. The company operates in the insurance industry and mainly works with independent brokers across Australasia.

Steadfast supports these brokers with technology, market access, and other tools, driving collective strength and growth. This unique model has fuelled Steadfast’s steady growth, making it an interesting pick for those considering dividend investments.

Steadfast is the largest general insurance broker network in Australasia and boasts strong business fundamentals. The company’s shares have shown stable growth without significant fluctuations in the share price over its history.

Considering this, the recent drop in its share price might be an excellent opportunity to add this name to your portfolio.

At the current Steadfast Group share price of $5.65, the company has a dividend yield of 2.8%.

The post Passive income powerhouses! 3 ASX shares I’d consider buying for rising dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Is the slashed Sonic Healthcare share price a ‘buying opportunity’?
• How to invest for retirement in an inflationary environment
• Buy these excellent ASX 200 dividend shares for very juicy yields
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• 10 ASX shares that have raised dividends for a decade

Motley Fool contributor Kate Lee 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 positions in and has recommended Apa Group and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a subdued session on Wednesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down slightly to 7,773.4 points.

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

Chrysos Corporation Ltd (ASX: C79)

The Chrysos Corporation share price is up almost 6% to $5.53. This is despite there being no news out of the mining technology company today. However, it is worth noting that the company did reveal some insider buying earlier this week. As I covered here, its director Gregory Holt picked up 12,000 shares through an on market trade on 12 June. Holt paid an average of $5.05 per share, which equates to a total consideration of $60,600. Chrysos Corporation shares are down by almost 35% since the start of the year and to a level that this director appears to believe is attractive.

Hansen Technologies Limited (ASX: HSN)

The Hansen Technologies share price is up over 2% to $4.15. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Goldman Sachs this morning. Although the broker has only put a neutral rating on the billing technology company’s shares, its price target of $4.85 is materially higher than current levels. In fact, even after today’s gain, Hansen Technologies shares have potential upside of 17% according to Goldman. The broker notes that Hansen Technologies’ “undemanding valuation reflects Powercloud and management uncertainty.”

Pantoro Ltd (ASX: PNR)

The Pantoro share price is up 2.5% to 8.5 cents. This morning, this gold miner revealed that its board has approved the initial 85,000 metre growth program for FY 2025. The company’s managing director, Paul Cmrlec, said: “This is a very exciting period in the development of the Norseman goldfield. For the first time we are in a position to re-develop the Norseman Mainfield with an outstanding balance sheet position, and operations generating strong cashflow.”

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 21% to $19.67. Investors have been buying the niobium explorer following the release of results from the initial metallurgical testwork program. This program is being undertaken on niobium mineralisation from its Luni deposit at the 100% owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia. The good news is that the program has produced high-grade niobium concentrates with low impurities and at industry-comparable recovery rates through a practical two stage flotation regime.

The post Why Chrysos, Hansen Technologies, Pantoro, and WA1 Resources shares are pushing higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX mining shares rocketing over 16% on big news
• Insiders are buying these ASX shares after selloffs
• Why Lovisa, Premier Investments, Silver Lake, and WA1 Resources shares are tumbling today

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is slightly in the red in trading on Wednesday. But one ASX 200 stock has taken a much steeper dip.

Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) shares have sold off sharply from the open on Wednesday following news about a potential change to a major contract it holds with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

The ASX 200 stock closed trading on Tuesday at $4.22 apiece. At the time of writing, Helia shares are 15% lower and swapping hands at $3.58 each. Meanwhile, CBA shares are currently flat.

What happened with this ASX 200 stock?

Helia announced before the open on Wednesday that Commonwealth Bank intends to review a contract it has with the company. The contract involves its lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI) requirements.

Helia currently provides LMI for CBA’s new high loan-to-value ratio (LVR) residential mortgage loans. This contract is set to expire on 31 December 2025 and represents about 53% of Helia’s gross written premium (using FY 2023 numbers).

The bank notified it will issue a request for proposal (RFP) for the ASX 200 stock’s LMI offering. An RFP is a company document aimed to solicit or tender a contract with another firm to complete a project. It is akin to a company pitch, although relates to specific projects versus entire businesses.

The development may have caused uncertainty about Helia’s future with CBA, which is one of the company’s major clients. At least that could be the market’s view, based on its initial reaction to the update, even though no final decision has been made.

Helia’s response

There wasn’t a negative tone from the ASX 200 stock in its announcement. Instead, Helia CEO Pauline Blight-Johnston remained optimistic about the “opportunity to continue or extend” the relationship.

Helia is Australia’s first LMI provider and has played a pivotal role in the property market since 1965.

We harness the power of almost 60 years’ experience to help aspiring home buyers realise their property dreams and get into homes sooner.

Blight-Johnson also highlights the 50-year relationship between the pair, where Helia has provided LMI to the bank.

What’s next for the ASX 200 stock?

Despite the current uncertainty, Helia’s financial results in FY 2023 were sound. The company achieved a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $275.1 million, a 37% increase from the previous year.

For FY 2024, it revised its insurance revenue guidance to $360 million to $440 million, down from $427 million previously. At its current price, Helia also offers a trailing dividend yield of 6.9%. Note, this is the trailing yield – if the dividend rate changes going forward, so too will the yield.

In the last 12 months of trade, the ASX 200 stock has climbed more than 10% into the green. CBA shares, on the other hand, have been a darling of the ASX this year, trading 14% higher since January.

The post ASX 200 stock plunges 15% on CBA deal news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Beach Energy, Core Lithium, Helia, and Red 5 shares are dropping today
• CBA, DroneShield, and these ASX stocks just hit 52-week highs
• ‘Attacked from all angles’: Why this fundie is betting against the momentous rally in CBA shares
• What is the outlook for CBA shares in FY25?
• 3 reasons to be positive on ASX 200 shares in FY25 (and 3 to be wary)

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

The market may be having a mixed session, but that hasn’t stopped a couple of ASX mining shares from rocketing today.

Here’s what you need to know about these two big movers:

Firefly Metals Ltd (ASX: FFM)

The Firefly Metals share price is up over 16% to 81 cents.

Investors have been scrambling to buy this ASX mining share after it released an update on exploration activities at the Green Bay Copper-Gold Project in Canada.

According to the release, another batch of high-grade copper and gold assays support FireFly’s strategy for rapid and substantial resource growth at the project.

The latest results reveal that consistently high-grade mineralisation extends continuously for 460 metres outside the current resource boundary. Management notes that these results will form part of the next upgrade in the resource, which currently stands at 39.2Mt at 2.1% for 811,000t CuEq.

FireFly’s managing director, Steve Parsons, said:

We continue to generate exceptional step out drilling results which point to substantial growth in the high-grade copper and gold resource at Green Bay. Given the consistently strong drilling results we are achieving, we are doubling the number of rigs to four. This is aimed at accelerating our resource growth while also seeking to make new discoveries.

Green Bay is a large district scale copper-gold mineralised system with huge potential outside the current resource and known mineralisation. We are aiming to unlock the value of this wider project area and therefore we are about to start regional geophysical surveys to define lookalike copper-gold targets for drill testing.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 21% to $19.67. This follows the release of results from the initial metallurgical testwork program. This program is being undertaken on niobium mineralisation from its Luni deposit at the 100% owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia.

According to the release, the program has produced high-grade niobium concentrates with low impurities and at industry-comparable recovery rates through a practical two stage flotation regime.

The ASX mining share’s managing director, Paul Savich, commented:

We consider this an excellent outcome towards unlocking the significant inherent strategic value of Luni. Flotation of niobium minerals is widely recognised as the key challenge to developing a conventional process flowsheet for a niobium deposit. This is because flotation typically provides most of the upgrade from ore to concentrate and incurs a majority of the recovery losses.

Our testwork is currently optimising this regime, with clear potential for improvement through the comminution, classification and flotation steps. Other beneficiation techniques such as gravity and magnetic separation are also being assessed.

The post 2 ASX mining shares rocketing over 16% on big news 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.