If you have a spare $2,000 and are looking to invest in some high-quality Australian shares, here are five of my favourites right now.

Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT)

Catapult is a global sports data and analytics company that provides real-time data to optimise athletes’ performance. The tech company reported a 19% revenue uplift in FY25, and the business has actively expanded since through acquisitions. Catapult is quickly gaining traction, and its recurring subscriptions mean it benefits from customer retention. That translates to a higher and more stable margin. Analysts predict the shares could climb 103.86% to $7.77 this year.

AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL)

AGL shares collapsed in 2025 after weak earnings and conservative FY26 guidance. But the Australian energy business made some significant leaps in growth at the end of the year. It announced plans to buy new gas turbines in October to raise its capacity for renewable energy, and it sold its stake in Tilt Renewables, freeing up $750 million in funds. Now, the shares are considered attractively priced. Analysts expect an upside as high as 41.51% this year to $12.75 a piece.

Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX: WBT)

In October, the next-generation computer memory technology company said it had made an “exceptionally strong” start to the financial year. It revealed record quarterly customer payments and was advancing discussions with several semiconductor fabrication companies. It also received a $4.1 million research and development tax rebate. Weebit benefits from strong demand for its product, and with very few comparable companies, it is well-positioned to dominate the memory technology space. Analysts are tipping a 37.24% upside this year to $8.07 per share.

Lendlease Group (ASX: LLC)

2025 was an uncertain year for the development and construction business, but it looks like the ASX company could turn a corner in 2026. It has a strong development pipeline, capital recycling initiatives in place, and plans for cost savings. Analysts mostly have a strong buy rating on the stock and think it could climb up to $6.70 a piece. At the time of writing, that implies a 34.81% gain in 2026.

Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

Droneshield was the best performer on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and one of the fastest-growing stocks on the planet in 2025, despite a sharp 74% sell-off from an all-time high in early October. For the year to date, the Australian shares have already recovered 25.53% of losses. We’re still a long way from the all-time peak, but I’m confident that the company’s strong 2026 growth strategy will continue to push the drone operator’s shares higher this year. Analysts tip a 26.26% upside for the shares this year, to $5.

The post Top Australian shares to buy right now with $2,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 576% in a year, should you buy the latest dip in DroneShield shares?
• Why the DroneShield share price could be undervalued
• Is this ASX defence stock the next DroneShield? Broker tips 120% upside
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why DroneShield, Life360, Nova Minerals, and Santana shares are falling today

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

Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) shares are trading lower on Wednesday.

At the time of writing, the regional bank’s shares are down almost 1% to $6.85.

What did Bank of Queensland announce?

This morning, Bank of Queensland revealed that its CEO, Patrick Allaway, is stepping down from the role next month on 28 February.

Allaway was appointed as the bank’s non-executive director and chair in 2019, before transitioning to the CEO role in 2023. That appointment was made to address regulatory challenges and required transformation, providing leadership and stability while developing internal succession.

Commenting on his exit, Allaway said:

It has been an honour to lead BOQ as the Chair of the Board and subsequently its CEO, at the Board’s request. While returning to an executive role was not in my plans, I have worked to stabilise and strengthen BOQ by progressing work to respond to two Enforceable Undertakings and address the impact of market structural shifts.

New CEO appointed

The good news is that a replacement has already been found and is coming from within.

According to the release, experienced banking and financial services executive Rod Finch will become Bank of Queensland’s CEO and managing director from 1 March 2026.

Finch has served as the bank’s chief transformation and operations officer since 2023. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, with a track record of delivery across customer, product, strategy and transformation roles within Australia and the United Kingdom.

Bank of Queensland’s chair, Andrew Fraser, said:

As a key leader of BOQ, Rod’s appointment will ensure we maintain momentum in executing our strategy to become a simpler, specialist bank with improved performance for customers and shareholders. Rod’s executive leadership of BOQ’s strategy and transformation priorities provides leadership continuity at a pivotal stage for BOQ Group. During his tenure at BOQ, Rod has led the digital transformation and the program to uplift operational and risk performance.

Rod Finch appears up for the challenge of leading the bank. He commented:

I am honoured to be appointed CEO and grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me. I look forward to leading the organisation, building on the strategic transformation initiated by Patrick to improve outcomes for our customers, shareholders and the communities we serve.

Bank of Queensland shares are down 1% over the past 12 months compared to a 6.5% gain by the ASX 200 index.

The post Big news is making Bank of Queensland shares fall today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bank of Queensland names new CEO as leadership transition takes shape
• Forget CBA shares: I’m buying shares in another Aussie bank
• UBS just rated ASX bank shares NAB, BOQ and Macquarie as a buy
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Is Bank of Queensland stock a buy for its 9% dividend yield?

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.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares are sinking today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) drone defence company closed down 6.5% yesterday trading for $4.18. In late morning trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $4.01 apiece, down 4.1%.

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

Taking a step back, DroneShield shares remain up a very impressive 546.8% since this time last year.

That’s enough to turn a $10,000 investment into $64,677.

But it has been anything but a smooth ride for longer-term investors.

Shares hit an all-time closing high of $6.60 on 9 October before plunging to a one-year low of $1.72 on 21 November.

So, when it comes to buying this ASX 200 stock, timing can make a big difference in your returns.

Which brings us back to our headline question.

Should you buy into the recent retrace in DroneShield shares?

With today’s intraday moves factored in, DroneShield shares are down 15.2% since last Thursday’s close, presenting a potentially profitable long-term entry point.

Shares came under pressure yesterday following the release of the company’s December quarter update (Q4 2025).

Investors clearly have high growth expectations for the defence company, with shares falling despite DroneShield reporting record quarterly revenue of $51.3 million, up 94% from Q4 2024.

And cash receipts from customers surged 142% year on year to $63.5 million.

The balance sheet also looks strong, with the company reporting a cash balance of $210.4 million as at 31 December.

Potentially spooking forward-looking, growth-hungry investors, the ASX 200 defence stock reported an 18% decline in its sales pipeline since October to US$2.09 billion.

Commenting on that decline, Bell Potter analyst Baxter Kirk said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):

We expected an increase in the sales pipeline. The decline in pipeline is mostly due to several early stage-low probability large projects which did not materialise or were well reduced in scope.

Still, Bell Potter maintains a bullish outlook for DroneShield shares, forecasting a “wave of spending” from nations with large defence budgets seeking to secure their critical sites from drone attacks.

“We believe DRO should see material contracts flowing … over the next three to six months as defence budgets roll over to FY26,” Bell Potter noted.

The broker also said that the company’s lengthy “battlefield experience” offers it a “strengthening competitive advantage”.

Connecting the dots, Bell Potter has a $5 price target on DroneShield shares.

That represents a potential upside of almost 25% from current levels.

The post Up 576% in a year, should you buy the latest dip in DroneShield shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why the DroneShield share price could be undervalued
• Is this ASX defence stock the next DroneShield? Broker tips 120% upside
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why DroneShield, Life360, Nova Minerals, and Santana shares are falling today
• DroneShield shares fall after reporting revenue of $216m

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 DroneShield. 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.

You don’t need thousands of dollars to get started on the ASX. Sometimes, owning a small slice of a high-quality business is the smartest first step.

These are three ASX shares I’d genuinely be happy to buy today, even with a modest amount of money.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville is often talked about as a kitchen appliance company, but I think that undersells what it has become.

What stands out to me right now is how well Breville has navigated a tough consumer environment. While many discretionary retailers have struggled, Breville has continued its growth while investing in product innovation, premium branding, and global expansion, particularly in North America. That long-term mindset matters.

Another reason I like this ASX share is pricing power. Breville doesn’t compete at the cheap end of the market. Its customers are willing to pay up for quality, which gives the company more resilience if costs rise or consumer spending softens.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

Wesfarmers might not sound exciting at first glance, but I think that’s exactly why it works so well as an investment.

What I like right now is the combination of stability and optionality. Bunnings continues to throw off strong cash flows, and Kmart has proven it can adapt in difficult retail conditions. This gives Wesfarmers the balance sheet strength to invest when opportunities arise.

I’m also a big fan of its capital discipline. Wesfarmers has shown it’s willing to exit businesses that don’t meet its return hurdles and redeploy capital into higher-quality opportunities. That’s not something every conglomerate does well.

If you’re starting with $100, owning an ASX share like this can help anchor a portfolio while still offering upside over time.

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder is probably the higher-risk option on this list, but it’s also the one with the most upside if things go right.

What caught my attention recently is how the hotel technology business is shifting from pure growth to operating leverage. SiteMinder continues to grow its global customer base, but it’s also becoming more efficient as scale kicks in. That’s an important transition for SaaS companies.

I also like how embedded SiteMinder has become in hotel operations. Once a hotel relies on its platform to manage bookings, pricing, and distribution, switching away is not trivial. That creates stickier revenues over time.

For a small investor, this is the kind of stock that can compound quietly if management executes, even if the share price remains volatile along the way.

Foolish Takeaway

Having just $100 isn’t a disadvantage. It’s a chance to focus on quality, think long term, and start building good habits early. These are three businesses I’d be comfortable owning today and letting time do the rest.

The post 3 no-brainer ASX shares to consider buying now with just $100 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’d buy 328 shares of this ASX 200 stock to aim for $1,000 a year
• Wesfarmers share price down 11% from its peak: Buy, hold or sell for 2026?
• Here are my top Aussie stocks to buy for 2026
• 3 reason I would buy Wesfarmers shares today
• Forget BHP shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income

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

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE) shares are having a strong session on Wednesday.

In early trade, the ASX 200 uranium stock was up as much as 11% to $2.01.

The uranium producer’s shares have pulled back a touch since then but remain up 7% to $1.93 at the time of writing.

Why is this ASX 200 uranium stock jumping today?

Investors have been bidding Boss Energy shares higher today after it released its quarterly update.

According to the release, the company’s Honeymoon operation performed very positively and delivered record drummed production of 456 klbs U3O8 and IX production of 406 klbs for the three months. This represents an 18% and 8% increase, respectively.

Management advised that this was driven by higher flow from new wellfields.

The good news is that this means the ASX 200 uranium stock is on track to achieve its FY 2026 production guidance of 1.6 Mlbs.

Another positive that could be giving Boss Energy shares a lift today is that it achieved this with lower costs per unit.

Honeymoon’s C1 costs were $30 per pound (US$20 per pound) which is down 12% following positive results mainly from reagent optimisation in the wellfields and plant.

In light of this, the company’s cost guidance for the Honeymoon operation has been lowered. It now expects C1 costs to be $36 to $40 per pound instead of $41 to $45 per pound.

This compares favourably to the average realised price of US$74 per pound during the second quarter.

A ‘significant’ quarter

Commenting on the quarter, the ASX 200 uranium stock’s CEO and managing director, Matthew Dusci, said:

This quarter was significant for Boss, following completion of the Honeymoon Review and initiation of the New Feasibility Study. The pathway forward through a new wide-spaced wellfield design has the potential to lower operating costs, optimise production profiles, and extend mine-life. The successful and timely delivery of this study has the potential to deliver significant value and is a strategic priority.

With regards to production, the team has delivered a record quarter of 455,791 lbs of U3O8 drummed at a C1 cash cost of $30/lb. As a result of the continued work to optimise the operation, it is pleasing to reconfirm production guidance of 1.6 Mlb for FY26 while revising down our C1 and AISC costs. We continue to balance investment in the current wellfield design with delivering the New Feasibility Study as we prioritise delivery of production whilst also minimising spend on wellfield designs that could be improved under the wide-spaced wellfield design.

The post Why is this ASX 200 uranium stock jumping 11% today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 54% since December, can Boss Energy shares keep racing higher in 2026?
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

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.

As a new month approaches, I think it is just as important to think about what not to buy as it is to find new opportunities. Markets don’t move in straight lines, and some exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that make sense in one environment can quietly work against you in another.

These are two ASX ETFs I would personally avoid buying in February, based on how I see 2026 shaping up.

BetaShares Australian Equities Bear Hedge Fund (ASX: BEAR)

The BetaShares Australian Equities Bear Hedge Fund is designed to move in the opposite direction to the Australian share market on a day-to-day basis. If the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) falls, the BEAR ETF should rise. If the market goes up, this fund should fall.

That structure makes sense as a short-term hedge during periods of heightened volatility or when investors are genuinely worried about a sharp market drawdown. But it is exactly why I would avoid it if you have a constructive view on equities.

Personally, I think the Australian share market could deliver something close to a 10% return in 2026. If that happens, the BEAR ETF is effectively positioned to lose money over time. Even modest but consistent market gains can be painful for inverse ETFs, especially when held beyond very short windows.

For me, the BetaShares Australian Equities Bear Hedge Fund is a tactical tool, not a long-term investment. If you believe the market’s next meaningful move is higher, owning an ETF that is structurally betting against that outcome just does not make sense.

VanEck Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB)

I am generally supportive of parts of the Australian banking sector. In fact, I am a shareholder in Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and still view it as one of the highest-quality businesses on the ASX.

The issue with the VanEck Australian Banks ETF is concentration. The ETF gives you broad exposure across the major banks, and that is where I see the problem emerging.

While CBA continues to execute well, I am less convinced the same can be said for all of its peers heading into 2026. Margin pressure, slower credit growth, and higher capital requirements could weigh on earnings for some other banks, naturally restricting returns for the ETF as a whole.

Rather than owning the entire sector through the MVB ETF, I think investors may be better served by being selective or allocating capital to areas of the market with clearer growth or income tailwinds.

Foolish Takeaway

Neither of these ETFs is bad in isolation. They simply feel mismatched to the current environment and my outlook for the year ahead.

With markets showing signs of resilience and selective opportunities emerging elsewhere, I think February could be a better time to focus on funds positioned to benefit from growth, rather than betting against the market or tying returns to parts of the banking sector that may struggle to keep up.

The post 2 ASX ETFs to avoid in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Best ASX ETFs to target winning Aussie sectors in 2026

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

ASX dividend shares are my top way to create passive income because of how easy it is to invest and hold for the long-term while receiving dividends.

I love how we can build a portfolio piece by piece and create a river of dividends. The investments I’m going highlight offer investors a good dividend yield and I’m confident they can grow their payouts over time.

Let’s dive in with what I’d happily buy with $3,000.

Bailador Technology Investments Ltd (ASX: BTI)

I think the last 20 years have shown that technology is one of the best, if not the best, places to invest.

Software businesses are able to deliver great gross profit margins, strong bottom lines and they usually don’t have any physical limitations of growth compared to others needing to increase production, open a new store or new warehouse to grow further.

Bailador is a company that invests in private technology businesses whilst they’re still in a rapid growth phase. Its current portfolio includes businesses involved in digital healthcare, hotel management, financial advice and investment management, tours and activities, property investment, volunteer management, fitness and wellness, and so on.

The portfolio is growing at a rapid speed – Bailador’s portfolio company revenue growth was 47% in FY25, which bodes well for increasing the underlying value of those businesses over time.

The ASX dividend share aims to pay investors a dividend yield of 4% relative to the pre-tax net tangible assets (NTA). But, due to the fact the Bailador share price is at a 36% discount (at the time of writing) to the NTA, it has a dividend yield of 6.3%, or 9% including franking credits.

Future Generation Australia Ltd (ASX: FGX)

This business is a listed investment company (LIC) that invests a portfolio of ASX share-focused funds from various fund managers who work for free so that Future Generation Australia can donate 1% of net assets to youth charities each year.

There are no management fees or performance fees. With the investment/accounting profits the ASX dividend share makes, it’s paying a growing dividend that has grown every year for the past decade. Not many ASX businesses can claim to have done that.

This investment can provide Aussies with diversification thanks to the funds giving exposure to hundreds of underlying businesses.

Its latest announced dividends come to a grossed-up dividend yield of 7.7%.

WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ)

This is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) targets a 5% dividend yield, balancing passive income and capital growth.

WCM is looking for global stocks it thinks have expanding competitive advantages (economic moats) and business cultures that help expand the competitive advantage.

With a portfolio of US and non-US shares, the fund is able to provide investors with pleasing exposure to a variety of opportunities around the world.

The strategy is clearly working because the fund has delivered average net returns of 15.9% per year since inception in August 2018. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, but I think it can continue to perform well. A rising net asset value (NAV) of the fund helps fund larger distributions.

The post 3 wonderful ASX dividend shares I’d buy with $3,000 right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here’s how you could turn the stock market into a $1,000 monthly passive income machine
• Is this the perfect place to start investing in ASX shares with $500?
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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Bailador Technology Investments and Future Generation Australia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bailador Technology Investments. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Bailador Technology Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Silver is again stealing the spotlight across global markets on Wednesday.

At the time of writing, the price of silver has jumped more than 7%, pushing it to around US$111 per ounce, near record levels.

Earlier in the week, the white metal briefly touched a new high of US$117.69 per ounce.

Silver is now up more than 55% over the past month, making it one of the strongest-performing commodities anywhere right now.

Let’s unpack what is driving this remarkable rally.

Trade tensions, tariffs, and political instability are adding to the uncertainty

Recent moves by the Trump administration have added another layer of uncertainty to global markets.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on South Korean imports would be raised from 15% back to 25%. The move affects goods including autos, lumber and pharmaceuticals, and follows delays in ratifying a trade deal agreed between the two countries last year.

These tariff increases are part of a broader rise in global trade tensions. They come alongside fresh tariff threats involving other countries and regions, including parts of Europe.

That uncertainty is pushing investors toward traditional safe-haven assets. Gold has already surged to record highs, and silver is now following closely behind as investors look for protection from political and economic instability.

Silver still has room to run relative to gold

One technical measure many analysts watch closely is the gold to silver ratio. It compares how many ounces of silver are needed to buy one ounce of gold.

Although that ratio has fallen recently as silver has caught up to gold, it remains elevated compared to levels seen during previous precious metals bull markets. Some investors see that as a sign that silver still has room to run if the rally continues.

Silver has also now made new highs in US dollar terms. Many long-term bulls believe that, despite the sharp move already seen, the metal may still be in the early stages of a larger re-rating.

How can investors get exposure to silver?

There are 3 common ways investors can gain exposure to silver.

Buy physical silver

This means buying silver bars, coins or other forms of metal. It gives direct ownership and can act as a hedge against inflation and currency weakness. People should consider secure storage and insurance.

Invest in ASX silver mining companies

Shares in companies that produce or explore for silver can offer leveraged exposure to rising prices. That means the share prices could move more than the price of silver itself, but they also carry company and operational risks.

Buy the Global X Physical Silver Structured ETF (ASX: ETPMAG)

This ASX-listed ETF provides exposure to physical silver without the need to buy and store metal. It is an easy way for everyday investors to add silver to a portfolio in a liquid and cost-effective way.

Foolish Takeaway

Silver’s surge above US$111 per ounce reflects a powerful mix of safe-haven demand, tight physical supply, rising industrial use, and growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Recent tariff moves by the Trump administration have added extra fuel to the rally, reinforcing silver’s role as both a precious and industrial metal.

While volatility is likely after such a sharp run, the underlying forces supporting silver remain strong.

The post Silver is on fire. Why prices just jumped 7% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) is charging higher today.

West African Resources shares closed yesterday trading for $3.71. In early morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $3.81 apiece, up 2.7%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.3% at this same time.

With today’s intraday boost factored in, West African Resources shares are now up a whopping 138.1% over 12 months. And if the miner can hold onto these gains until close, today will mark a new record high for the stock.

Like gold miners the world over, the ASX 200 gold stock has enjoyed brisk tailwinds from the surging gold price. Gold leapt another 3.4% overnight to be trading for US$5,180 per ounce. This sees the gold price up 89% since this time last year.

Here’s what else is boosting the West African Resources share price today.

ASX 200 gold stock jumps to record high on results

ASX investors are bidding up West African shares today following the release of the miner’s December quarter results.

With December’s results in, the ASX 200 gold stock confirmed that it met its full calendar year 2025 cost and gold production guidance, marking the fifth consecutive year the miner has met its full-year guidance.

Highlights from the December quarter include gold production of 112,019 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,561 per ounce.

West African Resources sold 105,995 ounces of gold over the three months, receiving an average price of US$4,058 per ounce. Importantly, in this rising gold price environment, the ASX 200 gold stock remains fully unhedged.

In other key financial metrics, fourth-quarter cash flow from operating activities came in at AU$389 million, after AU$48 million in income tax payments.

As at 31 December, West African had a cash balance of AU$584 million along with AU$177 million of unsold gold bullion.

What did management say?

Commenting on the quarterly results sending the ASX 200 gold stock into new record territory today, West African CEO Richard Hyde said:

For the full year 2025, Sanbrado produced 205,228 ounces of gold at a site sustaining cost of US$1,348 per ounce, achieving annual production guidance of 190,000 to 210,000 ounces at a site sustaining cost of under US$1,350 per ounce.

Considering the strong rise in the gold price during 2025 significantly increased royalty costs, this was another outstanding annual result for Sanbrado and the fifth consecutive year of either meeting or beating guidance…

WAF group produced 300,383 ounces of gold in 2025 and achieved annual guidance of 290,000 to 360,000 ounces.

West African Resources will release its 2026 annual production guidance and outline its capital management strategy later in the first quarter of 2026.

The post Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is surging to an all-time high on strong results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• West African Resources posts strong December quarter cash inflows
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is charging to a record high on stellar update

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.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stock Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) is a strong contender for providing investors with good passive income. It’d be one of the ASX blue-chip shares I’d look at for dividends.

The owner of Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline, and more has a stated goal to increase its payouts to shareholders. On the company’s website, the business says:

With a focus on generating strong cash flows and maintaining balance sheet strength, the group aims to deliver satisfactory returns to shareholders through improving returns on invested capital.

As well as share price appreciation, Wesfarmers seeks to grow dividends over time commensurate with performance in earnings and cash flow.

Dependent upon circumstances, capital management decisions may also be taken from time to time where this activity is in shareholders’ interests.

With that intention in mind, I think it’s a strong opportunity for income (and total) returns. Let’s look at how it could deliver $1,000 of annual passive income in 2026 for an investor.

Passive income target for the ASX 200 stock

Wesfarmers has been steadily growing its dividend payout each year since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not many of the ASX 200’s blue-chip stocks have managed to deliver that level of consistent performance for investors.

The current forecast on CommSec suggests the business could pay an annual dividend per share of $2.14 in FY26. To receive $1,000 in cash dividends over a year, an investor would need to own 468 Wesfarmers shares.

But if we include the income bonus from franking credits as part of the overall annual passive income, an investor would only need to own 328 Wesfarmers shares.

How likely is dividend growth for owners of Wesfarmers shares?

While the business isn’t guaranteed to deliver growth, analysts are projecting a sizeable increase for the company in FY27.

According to CommSec’s projection, the company is forecast to pay an annual dividend per share of $2.33 in FY27, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 9%.

Pleasingly, the projections suggest the ASX 200 stock’s earnings per share (EPS) will rise to around $2.75 in FY27, which would help fund a dividend payout ratio of 84.8%.

I think it’s quite likely the company will deliver rising earnings in FY27, driven by the strength and ongoing sales growth of its Kmart and Bunnings businesses, which have very high returns on capital (ROC).

Plus, with the rapid rise of the lithium price in recent months, the earnings outlook for the lithium business is very promising. The project’s development cash costs will soon stop, and the company can start generating good earnings, which seems like they will be much stronger than the market was expecting this time last year.

The post I’d buy 328 shares of this ASX 200 stock to aim for $1,000 a year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.