If I had $20,000 to invest today and wanted exposure to long-term growth without the stress of picking individual stocks, I would lean heavily toward exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

I like ETFs as they provide instant diversification and easy access to powerful investment themes.

With $20,000, I think it makes sense to spread your money across different parts of the market rather than trying to find one perfect investment. This is how I would allocate it, and why.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The largest allocation would go to iShares S&P 500 ETF. I would put $10,000 into this fund.

It provides access to 500 of the largest companies listed in the United States. These include global leaders that we rely on every day for our smartphones, streaming, shopping, and work.

What I like about the IVV ETF is that it gives you access to businesses that simply do not exist on the ASX. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon are major drivers of global economic growth, yet Australian investors only get exposure to them through international ETFs.

By allocating half of the portfolio to this ETF, I would be anchoring the investment in high-quality global companies with long track records of earnings growth.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Next, I would invest $6,000 into the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

The ATEC ETF gives exposure to Australia’s technology sector, including software, payments, and digital services companies. While this part of the market can be volatile, it also offers stronger growth potential than many traditional ASX sectors.

I like having targeted exposure to Australian tech because it balances the heavy weighting toward banks and resources that dominate the local index. The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF adds a growth tilt to the portfolio without needing to pick individual tech stocks.

This allocation is smaller than the iShares S&P 500 ETF for a reason. Technology can be cyclical, and I would want to size it appropriately.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

The final $4,000 would go into the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity is one of those areas where demand keeps growing regardless of economic conditions. As businesses, governments, and consumers become more digital, protecting data and systems becomes increasingly critical.

The HACK ETF provides exposure to a global portfolio of cybersecurity companies, many of which are based in the United States. Rather than trying to guess which individual company will win, this ETF spreads risk across the sector.

I see this allocation as a long-term thematic investment that could benefit from structural growth over many years.

Why this mix works

This $20,000 ETF portfolio would give me exposure to global large-cap leaders through the IVV ETF, Australian technology growth through the ATEC ETF, and a global cybersecurity theme through the HACK ETF.

It is diversified across regions, sectors, and investment styles, while still being simple enough to manage. Importantly, it is a portfolio I would feel comfortable holding through market volatility and adding to over time.

If I were investing $20,000 today, this is exactly the kind of ETF mix I would want working for me in the background while I focus on saving and investing consistently.

The post These are the ETFs I would buy with $20,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Generation Development Group Ltd (ASX: GDG) share price is in focus after the company posted a record December quarter, with total group Funds Under Management (FUM) jumping 36% year-on-year to $34.5 billion and Generation Life gross sales inflows surging 57% to $393 million.

What did Generation Development Group report?

• Group Funds Under Management (FUM) rose to $34.5 billion, up 36% on the prior corresponding period (PCP).
• Generation Life delivered record quarterly gross sales inflows of $393 million, up 57% PCP, and FUM up 34% to $5.2 billion.
• Evidentia achieved net inflows of $1.6 billion for the quarter and maintained a 100% tailored client retention rate.
• Lonsec saw continued iRate subscription growth and completed the Pound for Pound benchmarking pilot in the UK.
• Key strategic wins included finalising a long-term alliance with Ironbark Asset Management and acquiring Encore Advisory Group.

What else do investors need to know?

During the quarter, Generation Development Group maintained strong momentum across all divisions. Evidentia expanded its client base, launched several new managed account solutions, and completed the Encore Advisory Group acquisition to strengthen its practice management offering.

Generation Life posted record adviser engagement, with adviser event attendance up 49%, and extended its market leadership in investment bonds. Meanwhile, the Lonsec business focused on innovation, with new governance tools ready for market in Q3, and ongoing integration efforts targeting adviser workflow solutions.

What did Generation Development Group management say?

Felipe Araujo, Chief Executive Officer, Generation Life said:

We continue to see strong and consistent momentum in our inflows, underpinned by deep adviser engagement and growing awareness of the role investment bonds play in long-term wealth planning. We are investing now in capability, partnerships and product development to ensure Generation Life is well positioned to support advisers and clients as future growth opportunities continue to emerge.

What’s next for Generation Development Group?

Looking ahead, Generation Development Group is prioritising investment in technology, innovation, and new product development to capture further growth. The recent Ironbark alliance and Encore Advisory acquisition are set to drive significant inflows and enhance the group’s advisory and investment capabilities.

Management remains confident about second-half inflows, with several contracted schemes scheduled to commence in Q3. The group will continue to focus on efficiency, strategic partnerships, and expanding its adviser and client base through FY26 and beyond.

Generation Development Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Generation Development Group share have risen 41%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Generation Development Group posts record December quarter earnings and inflows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Sandfire Resources shares: December 2025 quarter results
• South32 grows output and returns cash: December 2025 quarterly earnings update
• Deep Yellow quarterly update: Cash strong, Tumas Project on track
• Greatland Resources posts record drilling and grades at Telfer
• Regis Resources posts record cash, resumes dividend, extends production outlook

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 recommended Generation Development Group. 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 Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) share price is in focus today after releasing its December 2025 quarter report, highlighting a record 54,204 metres of drilling and highest ever grades from the West Dome Underground project.

What did Greatland Resources report?

• 54,204 metres drilled in the December quarter, contributing to 106,766 metres for FY26 H1.
• Exceptional West Dome Underground drilling: 55.3m @ 7.4g/t gold & 0.43% copper and 27m @ 9.3g/t gold.
• Resource growth and conversion drilling advancing mine life extension across Telfer open pit and underground.
• Milestone reached: 51% interest earned in the Paterson South project with Rio Tinto.
• Pleasing regional exploration results, including 8m @ 1.30g/t gold at Teague (Paterson South).

What else do investors need to know?

Greatland completed a record first half drilling program and remains on track for a 240,000 metre campaign at Telfer, the largest in the site’s history. Increased drill capability on site will support accelerated activity in the March quarter, including a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate at West Dome Underground.

Strong results across West Dome Open Pit, Main Dome Underground, and regional prospects (including Ernest Giles and Big Tree) continue to support the potential for multi-year life extensions at Telfer. The company also finalised a significant milestone at Paterson South, now managing a joint venture with Rio Tinto and planning for further exploration work.

What’s next for Greatland Resources?

Investors can expect an acceleration of drilling with increased capacity on site during the March 2026 quarter. Greatland targets a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for West Dome Underground, alongside updates for Main Dome and West Dome Open Pit as new drill results are incorporated.

With strong progress at Telfer, a new JV stage at Paterson South, and continued exploration across Western Australia, Greatland is positioning for potential multi-year mine life extensions and growth in its gold and copper operations.

Greatland Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Greatland Resources shares have risen 91%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Greatland Resources posts record drilling and grades at Telfer appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Sandfire Resources shares: December 2025 quarter results
• South32 grows output and returns cash: December 2025 quarterly earnings update
• Deep Yellow quarterly update: Cash strong, Tumas Project on track
• Generation Development Group posts record December quarter earnings and inflows
• Regis Resources posts record cash, resumes dividend, extends production outlook

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.

A new report from broker Bell Potter has tipped massive growth for ASX materials stock LinQ Minerals Ltd (ASX: LNQ). 

LinQ Minerals (LNQ) is a Perth-based gold-copper exploration and development company. 

Its primary asset is the Gilmore Gold-Copper Project, an advanced exploration project covering ~597km2 over a strike length of ~40km between the towns of Temora and West Wyalong in central west NSW.

Since first listing on the ASX in June last year, it has rocketed more than 230% higher. 

It has enjoyed the tailwinds of global gold prices. 

For context, the Global X Physical Gold Structured (ASX: GOLD), which tracks the Australian dollar gold price, is up 40% in that same span. 

After yesterday’s trading, it sits at $0.64 per share. However, Bell Potter seems to believe it can continue to climb in the near future. 

Why is Bell Potter bullish?

In yesterday’s report from Bell Potter, the broker highlighted the outstanding run of drilling results for this ASX materials stock. 

After kicking off a maiden drilling program in October 2025, LNQ has released a series of drill results that have infilled and extended broad zones of gold-copper mineralisation at the Dam deposit, part of its 100%-owned Gilmore Gold Project, an advanced exploration stage project covering ~597km2 between Temora and West Wyalong in central west NSW.

The broker also said the results confirm and extend the continuity of a higher-grade core of gold-copper mineralisation at the Dam deposit. 

According to Bell Potter, the consistency in the width and grade of these holes over >300m of strike is also a positive indicator for further potential extensions both at depth and within wide-spaced drilling at the southern end of the deposit. 

The ASX materials company will resume its drill program in the coming weeks, with further holes at Gidginbung and the Dam. 

Results from this follow-up program have clear potential to be positive catalysts for the share price. LNQ remains relatively cheap compared with peer companies.

Strong price target upside 

Based on this guidance, the team at Bell Potter have a speculative buy recommendation on this ASX materials stock. 

It also has a price target of $0.90. 

Based on yesterday’s closing price, this indicates an upside of approximately 40.6%. 

The broker said it sees the foundations of a competitive development project that is undervalued by the market, and current and planned drilling programs have the potential to highlight this and catalyse a re-rating. 

The post “A Giant Awakes” – Broker tips 40% upside for this ASX materials stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Sandfire Resources shares: December 2025 quarter results
• This gold and copper producer is forecast to deliver double-digit returns
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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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 Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price is in focus as the company reported record quarterly operating cash flow, resumed dividend payments, and extended the production outlook at Duketon North.

What did Regis Resources report?

• Gold sales of 99,538 ounces, generating $641 million revenue at an average price of $6,436 per ounce
• Group gold production of 96,556 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $2,839 per ounce
• Operating cash flow of $419 million for the quarter, with a $255 million increase in cash and bullion to $930 million
• Fully franked dividend of 5 cents per share, returning $38 million to shareholders
• Development of Buckingham–Wellington open pit adding 251,000 ounces in ore reserves at Duketon North

What else do investors need to know?

Regis resumed fully franked dividends as cash generation hit a quarterly record, supported by stable output at both Duketon and Tropicana. Cost discipline remained a key focus amid ongoing investment in capital works, with $115 million spent on development and equipment.

Exploration remains a priority, with over 100 prospects in the pipeline and expanded drilling confirming growth potential at several sites. The strong pipeline underpins Regis’ extended production profile, with Duketon North now set to operate through FY31 thanks to the Buckingham–Wellington project.

A Federal Court decision is pending regarding the legal status of the McPhillamys Gold Project. In parallel, Regis has progressed technical work on an integrated waste solution to support future approvals for the project.

What did Regis Resources management say?

Regis Resources Managing Director Jim Beyer said:

The December quarter saw another consistent and reliable operational performance across Duketon and Tropicana, translating into record cash and bullion generation and continued strengthening of the balance sheet… We expect to release a formal capital management policy in conjunction with our half year results in February.

What’s next for Regis Resources?

Regis maintained full-year guidance for FY26, with group production expected between 350,000 and 380,000 ounces at AISC of $2,610–$2,990 per ounce. Exploration outlays were lifted to $70–80 million after strong initial results, positioning the company to grow reserves and extend mine life.

Regis is set to publish a formal capital management policy alongside its half-year results and will provide a further update on McPhillamys once court proceedings conclude and technical assessments progress.

Regis Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Regis Resources shares have risen 166%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Regis Resources posts record cash, resumes dividend, extends production outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Sandfire Resources shares: December 2025 quarter results
• South32 grows output and returns cash: December 2025 quarterly earnings update
• Deep Yellow quarterly update: Cash strong, Tumas Project on track
• Generation Development Group posts record December quarter earnings and inflows
• Greatland Resources posts record drilling and grades at Telfer

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 Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) share price is in focus today after the business reported second consecutive record quarterly custodial fund inflows of $8.4 billion, with funds under administration (FUA) totalling $125.6 billion—up 23.6% from the prior year.

What did Netwealth Group report?

• Total custodial FUA inflows of $8.4 billion for the December 2025 quarter
• Total FUA at 31 December 2025 reached $125.6 billion, up 23.6% year-on-year
• Net FUA flows for the quarter of $4.2 billion, or a record $4.6 billion excluding institutional outflows
• Managed Account FUM net flows of $1.8 billion, up 61.4% on prior year
• Total number of accounts grew 13.7% over the year to 172,221

What else do investors need to know?

Netwealth continued to invest in its platform and distribution, bringing on five experienced sales executives and launching new features. During the quarter, the group soft-launched its individual HIN administration offering, designed for advisers and stockbrokers, and fully rolled out Netwealth Private targeting the HNW and UHNW segment.

Enhanced research and integration tools, including AI-powered summaries and advanced charting, were deployed to support new initiatives. Efficiency upgrades, such as digital account opening and automated super-to-pension transfers, were completed to improve the client experience.

What did Netwealth Group management say?

Matt Heine, CEO and Managing Director, said:

Our customers are central to our strategy and our focus remains on both understanding and delivering solutions that meet our client needs.

We’re pleased to be adding individual HIN administration and reporting for our users, providing this important and new market with access to the Netwealth platform functionality including enhanced user experiences and customer options while delivering adviser capacity.
Equally as pleasing is the Netwealth Private offering that can operate as a standalone solution or in conjunction with our individual HIN offering.

These solutions continue to underpin our Ultra and High Net Wealth offering and demonstrates our significant experience and capability in this segment.

What’s next for Netwealth Group?

Looking ahead, Netwealth expects FY26 FUA net flows to be broadly in line with FY25, with an EBITDA margin around 49% (excluding the First Guardian compensation impact). The company anticipates a $101 million one-off compensation charge in 1H26 but notes dividends will be based on underlying earnings, excluding this charge.

Management highlights strong recurring revenue, consistent cash flow, and low capital expenditure as ongoing strengths. The individual HIN rollout and continued integration work are expected to expand Netwealth’s footprint in the growing wealth management sector.

Netwealth Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Netwealth shares have declined 12%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Netwealth Group posts record fund inflows in Q2 FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Sandfire Resources shares: December 2025 quarter results
• South32 grows output and returns cash: December 2025 quarterly earnings update
• Deep Yellow quarterly update: Cash strong, Tumas Project on track
• Generation Development Group posts record December quarter earnings and inflows
• Greatland Resources posts record drilling and grades at Telfer

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 Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. 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 Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price is in focus after the company reported record half-year iron ore shipments, up 3% year-on-year to 100.2 million tonnes, and maintained strong cash generation with a US$4.7 billion balance.

What did Fortescue report?

• Record H1 FY26 iron ore shipments of 100.2 million tonnes, up 3% from H1 FY25
• Iron Bridge Concentrate shipments of 4.3Mt in H1 FY26, up 37% year on year
• Hematite C1 unit cost of US$18.64/wmt in H1 FY26
• Hematite average revenue of US$93/dmt in Q2 FY26
• Cash balance of US$4.7 billion and net debt of US$1.0 billion at 31 December 2025
• Q2 FY26 capital expenditure of US$759 million

What else do investors need to know?

Fortescue has entered a binding agreement to acquire the remaining 64% of Alta Copper, aiming to expand its copper portfolio and critical minerals footprint in Latin America. The company is also advancing studies for its Belinga Iron Ore Project in Gabon, where a Presidential Taskforce was established during the quarter to support development.

Fortescue continued its decarbonisation push, delivering a large-scale battery energy storage system at North Star Junction and progressing the Cloudbreak Solar Farm construction. The company maintains an A rating for its Modern Slavery Statement and has kept FY26 guidance unchanged.

What did Fortescue management say?

Fortescue Metals and Operations Chief Executive Officer, Dino Otranto said:

It was a record first half, with shipments reaching new highs across our operations. This was achieved safely and sets us up well heading into the second half to meet our FY26 shipments and cost guidance.

We also reached an important milestone during the quarter with delivery of our first large-scale battery energy storage system at North Star Junction. With a total capacity of 250MWh, this installation marks the first step in a planned 4-5GWh rollout of energy storage required to support the decarbonisation of our operations over the coming years.

We are fundamentally changing how we power our operations by combining firmed renewable energy, our high-voltage transmission infrastructure and growing electric fleet, led by Fortescue Zero technologies.

What’s next for Fortescue?

Looking ahead, Fortescue is focused on meeting its unchanged FY26 shipment guidance of 195–205Mt, with a continued emphasis on cost control and operational safety. The company is stepping up its critical minerals expansion, particularly in copper, through the proposed Alta Copper acquisition.

Fortescue will also keep investing in renewables and electrification projects to advance its decarbonisation strategy. Exploration continues at home and globally to support future growth.

Fortescue share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Fortescue shares have risen 19%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Fortescue: Record iron ore shipments and strong cash flow in H1 FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Sandfire Resources shares: December 2025 quarter results
• South32 grows output and returns cash: December 2025 quarterly earnings update
• Deep Yellow quarterly update: Cash strong, Tumas Project on track
• Generation Development Group posts record December quarter earnings and inflows
• Greatland Resources posts record drilling and grades at Telfer

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 Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is in focus today after the company released its December 2025 quarterly results, recording gold sales of 348,061 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$2,937 per ounce, with group net mine cash of A$129 million.

What did Northern Star Resources report?

• December quarter gold sold: 348,061oz at an average realised price of A$4,908/oz
• All-in sustaining cost (AISC): A$2,937/oz (US$1,938/oz)
• Group underlying free cash flow: A$(328) million
• Net mine cash: A$129 million; cash and bullion: A$1,176 million
• FY26 group gold sales guidance revised to 1,600–1,700koz (from 1,700–1,850koz)
• FY26 group AISC guidance increased to A$2,600–2,800/oz (from A$2,300–2,700/oz)

What else do investors need to know?

Northern Star faced several one-off operational events this quarter, including a primary crusher failure at Kalgoorlie and longer-than-expected recovery works at Jundee. While operations have resumed, these disruptions prompted a downgrade of full-year production and cost guidance.

The company continues major growth investment, keeping FY26 group growth capital guidance unchanged at A$1,140–1,220 million. Key projects include the KCGM Mill Expansion, which remains on track for commissioning in early FY27, with associated capital expenditure for FY26 revised upward.

Net cash at quarter-end was A$293 million, and the hedge book continues to decline. Hedging commitments now sit at 1.12 million ounces at an average price of A$3,333/oz as deliveries outpace additions.

What did Northern Star Resources management say?

Managing Director & CEO Stuart Tonkin said:

As previously announced, a number of one-off operational events across our assets resulted in a softer December quarter and prompted us to revise FY26 production and cost guidance. Looking ahead, our team remains firmly focused on driving productivity improvements and strengthening cost discipline.

“The December quarter delivered positive advances at our two key growth projects that will structurally reshape our cost base and support delivery of higher-margin ounces. The KCGM Mill Expansion remains on track for commissioning in early FY27. At the same time, our team continues to optimise the engineering and design of the Hemi Development Project whilst progressing approvals.

“Northern Star’s balance sheet remains in a net cash position and we expect future free cash generation to increase materially as production lifts and our hedge book unwinds into this elevated gold price environment.

What’s next for Northern Star Resources?

For the rest of FY26, Northern Star will concentrate on finishing the KCGM Mill Expansion construction and ramping up commissioning plans. Production guidance has been lowered, but operational improvements and cost discipline remain a priority.

Management expects free cash flow to improve in coming periods, underpinned by higher production, strong gold prices, and the ongoing wind down of hedging commitments. Key growth projects, including the Hemi Development Project, are advancing on schedule.

Northern Star Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Northern Star Resources shares have risen 66%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 4% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Northern Star Resources cuts guidance after softer quarter 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.

ASX defence stocks have been red hot over the last 12 months. 

Consistent geopolitical uncertainty and government investment have been catalysts for the sector. 

Many ASX defence stocks have benefited from these tailwinds. 

But for investors who have been hesitant to gain exposure, is there any further upside?

A new report from Bell Potter has identified two particular ASX defence stocks with plenty of room for more growth. 

Let’s see what the broker had to say. 

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

Electro Optic Systems is an Australian company that develops and produces advanced electro-optic technologies. 

The company’s products are used in space information and intelligence services, optical, microwave and on-the-move satellite products, optical sensor units, and remote weapons systems for land, sea, and air.

Its share price has already rocketed 740% higher in the last 12 months. 

But the team at Bell Potter is optimistic the company can continue to grow following a new acquisition. 

In a report from the broker yesterday, Bell Potter said EOS has entered into an agreement to acquire MARSS.

MARSS is a Europe-based command and control (“C2”) systems, which are critical for effectively countering drones. 

C2 and software/AI capabilities have been an obvious gap in EOS’ counter-drone (CUAS) offering. The acquisition of a C2 capability bolsters EOS’s chances in securing prime contractor status on large C-UAS programs thus potentially boosting sales of EOS’ other C-UAS effectors, including High Energy Laser Weapons; Slingers; and Interceptor Drones. C2 systems also offer recurring revenues.

Following this news, Bell Potter upgraded EPS +1%/+15% in CY26/27e, reflecting: consolidation of the MARSS Group acquisition in 2H26e; updated cash balance; and higher effector sales in CY27e.

The broker has also raised its price target on this ASX defence stock to $12.00 per share. 

From yesterday’s closing price of $10.09, this indicates an upside of 18.93%. 

At 43x CY26e EV/ EBITDA, EOS trades at a 40% discount to the Global drone peer group mean.

Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS)

Elsight is engaged in the development and commercialisation of Halo in the UAV market. Elsight’s Halo provides BVLOS (Beyond the Visual Line of Sight) connectivity for drones, UAVs, and other unmanned/uncrewed systems on-air and on land.

This ASX defence stock is up 990% in the last 12 months. 

Bell Potter just upgraded its outlook, indicating there is still more upside. 

The broker said it has upgraded longer term revenue growth assumptions due higher confidence in commercial drone market growth and revenue growth following the commercial launch of the new Aura platform.

Bell Potter has an upgraded price target of $4.60 (previously $3.60). 

From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates an upside of $3.87, this indicates an upside of 18.86%. 

We believe ELS has developed a market leading product that is fully leveraged to the emerging use of unmanned systems in both a defence and commercial context. In CY26e, we expect ELS to be a beneficiary of downstream demand from global defence departments, supporting our 70% hardware sales revenue growth estimate.

The post ASX defence stocks to target according to Bell Potter appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS) shares could be undervalued at current levels.

That’s the view of analysts at Bell Potter, which believe this ASX All Ords stock could rise strongly over the next 12 months.

What is the broker saying about this ASX All Ords stock?

Bell Potter was pleased with the investment platform provider’s performance during the second quarter. And while there are negatives from its quarterly update, it feels the positives outweigh them. The broker said:

PPS delivered a solid 2Q26 result with operating metrics more advanced than forecast across the Group and progress on the strategy was articulated further. This is tracking to guidance, and further transformation has been flagged. Outflows were conventional again for Powerwrap, which was a positive development, offset by new attrition related to OneVue assets and management flagged an aggregate impact of -$361m. At a high level this would imply $823m net flows, which annualises to $3.3bn. While overhang is negative, this is not entirely unexpected. OneVue is now fully exited and management reaffirmed that guided full-year synergies remain achievable.

Bell Potter also highlights that the ASX All Ords stock has a robust sales pipeline, which it feels is being underappreciated by the market.

The share price movement today looks to factor in more adviser movements that could stay for another 12-18 months but does not account for client firm flows and distractions away from its sales funnel. We did not see the same sequential step-up in gross inflows for SMA and Spectrum. However, the latter remained stable and continues to surprise given expected volatility and PPS had to finalise a $933m internal transfer vs. $474m achieved in the previous quarter. There is now a focus to onboard a priority client within the SMA.

Time to buy

According to the note, the broker has responded to the update by retaining its buy rating with an improved price target of $1.10.

Based on its current share price of 79.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 38% for investors over the next 12 months.

In addition, the broker is expecting a 3.2% dividend yield in FY 2026. This boosts the total potential return beyond 40%.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. Wins are translating to revenue and to that end, we view: 1) inflow expectations as low and 2) compelling multiple vs. EBITDA growth equation.

PPS enters FY26 with an improvement in cash operating expenses as FUA and attaching revenue scale. It is also set to benefit from an additional +$3m run-rate cost out from 1H26 following the integration of OneVue. We think PPS has extensive growth runway with low single digit market share and contract win momentum now translating to revenue.

The post Bell Potter says this ASX All Ords stock could rise 40% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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