Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) shares are off to the races today.

Again.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gold stock closed yesterday trading for $13.51. In late morning trade on Wednesday, shares are swapping hands for $14.46 apiece, up 7%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.4% following weakness in US stock markets overnight.

With today’s lift factored in, shares in the Aussie gold miner are up a whopping 155.5% since this time last year.

Here’s why Evolution Mining stock is shrugging off Wednesday’s broader sell-off to charge higher.

Evolution Mining shares leap on record cash flow

Investors are bidding up Evolution Mining shares following the release of the miner’s second-quarter results (Q2 FY 2026).

Highlights from the three months to 31 December included an all-time high operating mine cash flow of $1.1 billion, up 57% from the September quarter.

Quarterly group cash flow of $412 million also smashed into new record territory, up 110% from Q1 FY 2026.

In other core financial metrics, Evolution Mining produced 191,000 ounces of gold during the quarter and 8,000 tonnes of copper.

The miner reported an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,275 per ounce, which it noted is sector-leading.

And with the gold price soaring, Evolution Mining shares have caught some strong tailwinds with the miner achieving an average realised gold price of $6,206 per ounce, up 20% from the prior quarter. Management noted that prices continue to improve, with the current spot gold price of $6,900 per ounce already some 11% higher than the December quarter average.

The ASX 200 gold stock ended the quarter with a cash balance of $967 million, up 24%.

What did management say?

Commenting on the quarterly results helping to boost Evolution Mining shares today, CEO Lawrie Conway said, “Evolution delivered another consistent quarter representing eight consecutive quarters of delivery to plan.”

As for that record quarterly cash flow, Lawrie added:

Delivering to plan in a rising metal price environment with minimal hedging has generated record cash flow and sector-leading cost performance. Our teams continue to safely demonstrate operational discipline while also successfully progressing key growth projects.

Mungari’s expanded plant and new mining hub is fully commissioned and already generating strong return on investment via record high cash flows. We continue to bank the benefits of higher metal prices, which is ultimately delivering value for shareholders.

What’s ahead for Evolution Mining shares?

Looking at what could impact Evolution Mining shares in the months ahead, the miner reaffirmed its full-year FY 2026 production guidance of 710,000 ounces to 780,000 ounces of gold and 70,000 tonnes to 80,000 tonnes of copper.

And management expects costs to come down, with forecast FY 2026 AISC declining 6% from the prior guidance to between $1,640 and $1,760 per ounce.

The post Up 156% in a year, Evolution Mining shares rocketing again today on record setting results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Evolution Mining posts record cash flow in December quarter
• Prediction: Evolution Mining shares will halve in value in 2026
• Want to buy gold in 2026? Here are 3 ways to do it
• 2 ASX 200 gold shares to buy and 1 to sell: experts
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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.

Yesterday, I covered the extraordinary rise of gold over the past 12 months, and three ways you can invest in the precious metal in 2026. While gold’s 70%-plus rise has been shockingly lucrative, its less-illustrious precious metal sibling, silver, has done even better.

Silver’s ascent over just the past 12 months alone has been truly extraordinary. This time last year, the white metal was going for just under US$31 an ounce. Today, that same ounce will cost an investor a record high of US$97.60. Yep, silver has more than tripled in the past year.

Silver’s status as a precious, investment-grade metal has coupled with growing demand in future-facing technologies such as data centres, semiconductors, solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles to push it up to these unprecedented heights. So it’s fair to say that many investors would be looking to get a slice of the action.

If that’s you, you might want to hear about two ways you can buy silver in 2026.

Three ways to buy silver in 2026

Silver bullion

The traditional way to own silver is still the preferred path for many investors. That would be buying physical silver bullion in the form of bars, ingots or coins. Just like gold, investors can buy silver in its physical form from bullion shops and the like. For true precious metal enthusiasts, having the metal in one’s possession is the only way to fully realise the benefits of investing in silver. There’s nothing quite like owning your own cache.

However, buying real silver is the costliest way of investing in the precious metal. Firstly, you’ll be paying a spread over the metal’s market price, plus extra if you are paying for numismatic value. Then there are transportation, storage and insurance costs to consider. Silver is harder to look after than gold, too, given that it is a reactive metal that can tarnish if not stored correctly.

This is why many investors prefer other ways of investing in silver.

There’s an ETF for that

Like gold, investors who don’t wish to take ownership of silver bullion can opt for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) instead. Silver ETFs work in a similar manner to gold funds. Investors buy units of an ETF on the ASX, with each unit representing an ownership stake in a pile of physical silver that is typically stored in a bank vault somewhere. As each unit of the ETF is tied to silver, its price should rise and fall alongside that of the actual metal.

Silver ETFs don’t come cheap, at least compared to most stock-based ETFs or index funds. Saying that, this is usually the cheapest way you can get exposure to the precious metal. However, you will never take physical custody of the silver you are investing in, so that might be a dealbreaker for some investors.

But if you do opt for a silver ETF, your best bet on the ASX is probably going to be the Global X Physical Silver Structured ETF (ASX: ETPMAG). This fund charges a management fee of 0.49% per annum. Another option is the largest silver ETF in the world, the iShares Silver Trust (NYSE: SLV), if you’re open to buying a US-based ETF.

The post Want to buy silver in 2026? Here are 2 ways to do it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Want silver exposure? Morgans says this ASX silver stock is a buy
• The best performing Global X ASX ETFs this year
• Forget gold! Meet the 2 metals up by +150% in 2025 and the ASX ETFs riding the wave

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 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.

If you are looking for exposure to booming silver and tin prices, then Bell Potter has an idea for you.

It believes that ASX silver stock Sky Metals Ltd (ASX: SKY) could be worth considering if you have a high tolerance for risk.

What is the broker saying about this ASX silver stock?

The broker has described Sky Metals as having “a sky full of upside” following an update on its Tallebung Project in New South Wales.

Commenting on drilling at the 100% owned project, Bell Potter said:

SKY’s ongoing drill program at its 100% owned Tallebung Project in New South Wales aims to expand recently discovered high-grade tin-silver zones, infill areas to increase geological confidence, and obtain diamond drill core for feasibility study geotechnical and mine design work.

This week, SKY announced assays from an initial 20 holes returned to-date that highlight several shallow, high-grade tin-silver intercepts including drill holes that sit outside the January 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate (15.6Mt at 0.15% tin for 23kt contained tin; 0.03% tungsten trioxide for 4.3kt contained tungsten), such as TBRC274: 3m at 604g/t silver and 0.68% tin from 24m. The deposit remains open in all directions. A third rig will commence drilling in February 2026; we expect the program will complete late in the current quarter.

Bell Potter believes that the ASX silver stock’s mineral resource estimate (MRE) will be upgraded substantially in the middle of the year. It adds:

By mid-2026, SKY will release an upgraded MRE and early-stage development study. The MRE will incorporate over 400 drill holes (vs 115 in the January 2024 MRE) and we expect will feature a substantial increase in tonnage along with a maiden silver Resource. The development study will provide a preliminary economic outlook for a potential low-cost, open pit mining operation that could generate three high-value products; tin concentrate, tungsten concentrate, and silver.

Time to buy

In light of the above, the broker thinks investors should be buying this ASX silver stock if their risk tolerance allows for it.

According to the note, the broker has a speculative buy rating and increased price target to 21 cents (from 12 cents).

Based on its current share price of 15.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 35% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter concludes:

Tallebung is emerging as a strategic source of near-term tin, silver and tungsten supply in a stable jurisdiction. SKY is rapidly de-risking the project into development amidst a backdrop of rising tin, silver and tungsten prices. We expect news flow over the coming months to include drill results (ongoing); updated Mineral Resource Estimate (current half); mine development study (current half); flowsheet optimisation (ongoing); and permitting activities (ongoing).

The post Bell Potter says this ASX silver stock has ‘a sky full of upside’ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Forget Telstra shares, I’d buy this ASX telco stock instead
• Up 156% in a year, Evolution Mining shares rocketing again today on record setting results
• Want to buy silver in 2026? Here are 2 ways to do it
• Should I buy ANZ, VAS, and Zip shares this week?
• Beach Energy shares trade higher despite production slip

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.

When markets are moving quickly, it is tempting to feel like you need to act on every opportunity straight away. But I tend to think the better approach is to slow down and assess each investment on its own merits.

Right now, three ASX investments come up often in conversations with investors: ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ), Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP).

Here’s what I would do if I had to make a call on these ASX shares this week.

ANZ shares

ANZ has been a strong performer over the past year, supported by solid earnings, resilient credit quality, and its strong position in Australian banking.

At this point, though, I would not be in a rush to add more. Bank earnings are heavily influenced by factors such as net interest margins, funding costs, and the broader economic cycle. After a couple of favourable years, I think earnings growth across the sector could become more challenging in 2026 and 2027. This could mean returns are softer for shareholders in the near term.

That does not mean ANZ is a bad investment. Far from it. It remains a high-quality business with a solid balance sheet and a reliable dividend. For existing shareholders, I think it still makes sense to hold and collect the income.

However, if I am deploying fresh capital this week, I do not see ANZ as the most compelling risk-reward opportunity right now compared to other parts of the market.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF

If I could only make one simple investment decision this week, buying the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF would be near the top of the list.

The VAS ETF provides broad exposure to the Australian share market, covering large and mid-cap companies across sectors including financials, resources, healthcare, and consumer staples. It is low-cost, diversified, and easy to hold for the long term.

I like this ETF because it removes the need to make perfect stock-picking decisions. Instead, you get exposure to the overall growth of Australian businesses, plus a healthy stream of dividends along the way.

For investors building wealth steadily, adding to the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF during periods of uncertainty or volatility is often a sensible move. It may not be exciting, but it is effective. If I am investing this week with a long-term mindset, the VAS ETF is a clear yes for me.

Zip shares

Zip is a very different proposition to ANZ and VAS. It is higher risk, more volatile, and far more sensitive to changes in consumer behaviour and market sentiment.

That said, this is exactly why I think Zip is interesting right now. The company has spent the past couple of years simplifying its business, exiting less profitable markets, and focusing on improving margins and cash flow. While it is still early, the direction of travel looks a lot more encouraging than it did previously.

According to CommSec, consensus forecasts suggest that earnings could improve meaningfully over the next couple of years. If that plays out, Zip’s current valuation could prove reasonable relative to its growth potential.

This is not a stock I would buy without understanding the risks. But for investors willing to accept volatility in exchange for upside, I think Zip offers an attractive opportunity at current levels.

The post Should I buy ANZ, VAS, and Zip shares this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX shares I’d buy with $5,000 this week
• Are Zip shares a buy, hold or sell in 2026?
• Why Aussies are pouring into ASX ETFs at a record pace
• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• How to build your first ASX share portfolio step by step

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. 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.

Shares in Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) were trading higher on Wednesday despite the company reporting a 9% fall in production for the second quarter of the year.

The Adelaide-based energy company’s production came in at 4.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe), which was down 9% on both the preceding quarter and the same quarter last year.

Sales revenue for the quarter was 17% lower at $445 million, with the company receiving $105 per barrel of oil sold, down from $113.

The amount the company was paid for its gas improved 2% over the prior quarter to $11.90 per gigajoule.

ASX oil share looking forward for growth

Beach Managing Director Brett Woods said the company was working on growth programs across all of its core assets.

These included the Waitsia gas plant, which was commissioned during the quarter, and which delivered its first sales gas into the pipeline network.

Mr Woods added:

I am very proud of our team’s effort to support and drive the project to completion, unlocking a critical piece of infrastructure for the Western Australian gas market. The ramp-up process is well underway.

Mr Woods said in the Cooper Basin, there was higher production across operated and non-operated assets, “on the back of successful flood recovery efforts, with a majority of flood-impacted production now back online”.

It was pleasing to see the return of a drilling rig to the Western Flank this quarter and early success from the expanded 12 well oil appraisal and development campaign, with three oil wells cased and suspended in the period. This campaign will be followed by a 10-well oil exploration campaign to be drilled through the back end of FY26 and into early FY27.

Mr Woods said the company ended the quarter with $925 million in liquidity, “driven by positive quarterly cashflow generation and a new $300 million term facility, which received strong support from new and existing lenders”.

WA project ramping up

At Waitsia, the company achieved a peak production rate of 165 terajoules per day of gas compared with the nameplate capacity of 250 terajoules.

Beach said that during the third quarter, a third and fourth gas compressor would be brought online, “during which time production rates from the Waitsia Gas Plant are expected to ramp up towards nameplate capacity”.

In the Cooper Basin, Beach participated in 20 wells during the quarter, with a success rate of 70%, “from one oil appraisal well, two oil development wells, three gas exploration wells, two gas appraisal wells and 12 gas development wells”.

Beach shares were 3.2% higher on Wednesday morning at $1.13.

The company was valued at $2.51 billion at the close of trade on Tuesday.

The post Beach Energy shares trade higher despite production slip appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Beach Energy shares: quarterly revenue drops, Waitsia ramps up
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
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• After strong dividend yields? Look at these 3 ASX energy shares
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England 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.

Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) shares are charging higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rare earths miner closed yesterday trading for $15.25. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $16.13 apiece, up 5.8%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.3% following the big overnight sell-down in US stock markets.

Here’s why that’s not holding back Lynas’ bull run today.

Lynas shares jump on sales revenue growth

Investors are bidding up Lynas shares following the release of the miner’s second-quarter update (Q2 FY 2026).

Highlights for the three months to 31 December include a 43% year-on-year increase in gross sales revenue to $201.9 million. And sales receipts of $185 million were up 26.8% from Q2 FY 2025.

Total rare earth oxide (REO) production came in at 2,382 tonnes. That’s down around 9% year on year and down just over 40% from the prior quarter.

Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr) production of 1,404 tonnes was down around 30% from Q1 FY 2026. But most of that pullback looks to already have been priced into Lynas shares, with management flagging significant power supply disruptions at its Kalgoorlie plant in early November, alongside major planned kiln maintenance at its Kuantan facility in Malaysia.

Dysprosium and Terbium (DyTb) production came in at 26 tonnes for the quarter.

Lynas reported that the average selling price increased to $85.60 per kilogram across all its rare earths products, up 74% from Q2 FY 2025.

As at 31 December, the ASX 200 miner had cash and short-term deposits of $1.03 billion.

What else is happening with the ASX 200 rare earths miner?

The December quarter also saw Lynas complete the commissioning of its Mt Weld expansion project, with its new flotation circuit ramping up.

Lynas shares could also gain longer-term support with the company working on the expansion of heavy rare earth (HRE) separation at its Malaysian facility. Management forecasts the first production of Samarium – a heavy rare-earth metal used in high end magnets – in Q4 FY26.

What’s ahead for Lynas shares?

The end of FY 2026 will see Lynas Rare Earths CEO and managing director Amanda Lacaze step down from her role.

“I have been privileged to lead this company for the past 12 years and believe this is the right time to make the transition,” Lacaze said. “I remain fully committed to my role, to continuing to deliver value for shareholders, and working to ensure a smooth transition.”

With today’s intraday gains factored in, Lynas shares are up 134.5% over 12 months, racing ahead of the 4.6% one-year gains delivered by the ASX 200.

The post Buying Lynas shares? Here’s why the ASX rare earths stock is flying higher in Wednesday’s sinking market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Lynas Rare Earths reports 43% sales growth, CEO to retire
• Why Lynas shares are sliding today, despite a massive year
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Catalyst Metals, Lynas, Polynovo, and St George Mining shares are pushing higher today
• ASX 200 materials sector outperforms as mining shares continue their ascent

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 recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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 Emerald Resources (ASX: EMR) share price is in focus today after the gold developer announced a 27% increase in the Memot Gold Project’s mineral resource estimate to 1.7 million ounces, with over 70% now classified as Indicated.

What did Emerald Resources report?

• Memot Gold Project resource increased to 45.0Mt @ 1.2g/t Au for 1.7Moz
• Indicated category up 22%—now 1.2Moz of the resource
• Higher-grade resource: 21.6Mt @ 1.8g/t Au for 1.24Moz
• Resource remains open in all directions and at depth
• Project fully permitted after recent grant of Industrial Mining Licence and Mineral Investment Agreement

What else do investors need to know?

The resource update builds on drilling during 2025, following earlier resource estimates and now positions Memot as a key growth pillar for Emerald in Cambodia. The mineralisation at Memot remains open, supporting ongoing exploration and potential for further resource growth. A maiden ore reserve statement is expected to follow this resource update.

Emerald is planning an extensive extensional and infill drilling campaign through 2026, targeting both Memot and additional prospects across its 1,190km² Cambodian tenements and 1,110km² of priority ground in Western Australia. The company maintains a strong financial position, with significant cash, bullion, and investments on hand to fund project development.

What’s next for Emerald Resources?

Emerald plans to advance development at Memot in 2026, underpinned by the upcoming maiden ore reserve and updated feasibility studies. Next steps include ongoing drilling to target resource extensions, improve confidence, and support conversion of resources to reserves.

The company continues to explore and expand across both its Australian and Cambodian projects, aiming to grow its annual gold production profile towards the 300,000 – 400,000 ounce range. Emerald also remains committed to strong environmental practices as project development moves forward.

Emerald Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Emerald Resources shares have risen 101%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Emerald Resources: Memot gold resource climbs 27% to 1.7Moz 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.

The Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) share price is in focus after the company reported record gold production of 111,418 ounces for the December 2025 quarter and a doubling of underlying cash build to $365 million compared to the previous quarter.

What did Westgold Resources report?

• Record gold production of 111,418oz (up 33% quarter on quarter)
• All-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $3,500/oz; AISC excluding ore purchases: $2,945/oz
• Gold sales of 115,200oz at an average price of $6,356/oz, generating $732 million revenue
• Underlying quarterly cash build of $365 million before one-off outflows
• Closing cash, bullion, and investments of $654 million as at 31 December 2025
• Westgold remains debt free and fully unhedged

What else do investors need to know?

Westgold’s quarterly results reflect a focus on maximising cash generation by processing higher volumes of third-party high-grade oxide ore. This decision supported record production and treasury growth but also increased overall costs for the period. Notably, gold price-linked royalties have had a greater impact across the industry, adding $12 million to Westgold’s year-to-date costs.

During the quarter, Westgold advanced its strategy of portfolio optimisation, completing the divestment of non-core assets and progressing the planned spin-off of certain Murchison gold projects into the new ASX-listed Valiant Gold Limited. The company also maintained its FY26 production guidance of 345,000–385,000 ounces at an AISC of $2,600–$2,900/oz, excluding gold price-linked ore purchase costs.

What did Westgold Resources management say?

Managing Director & CEO Wayne Bramwell said:

In Q2, FY26 Westgold delivered record quarterly cash build of $365M and production of 111,418 ounces. Continued operational improvement from our assets continued and we had the opportunity to super charge our cash build by purchasing a higher volume of third-party ore. This third party ore delivered 22,317 ounces and monetising it further strengthened our balance sheet. These factors culminated in the Group closing the quarter with a treasury of $654M.

What’s next for Westgold Resources?

Westgold says its 3-Year Outlook aims to boost annual gold production to around 470,000 ounces by FY28, while targeting a reduction in AISC to about $2,500/oz from FY27. The company is progressing its key growth projects at Bluebird–South Junction, Great Fingall, and Beta Hunt, which are expected to replace lower-grade stockpiles with higher-grade ore across its main processing hubs.

Westgold plans continued focus on operational improvements and value creation through the demerger of Valiant Gold and ongoing optimisation of its asset base. Cost guidance is maintained, with a conservative view on third-party ore production for the remainder of the year.

Westgold Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Westgold Resources shares have risen 180%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Westgold Resources doubles cash build and sets new production record in Q2 FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Beach Energy shares: quarterly revenue drops, Waitsia ramps up
• Ampol share price in focus as ACCC refers EG Australia acquisition to Phase 2 review
• Australian Foundation Investment Company shares: Half-year profit slips, dividends held steady
• Vault Minerals delivers strong gold production and cash flow in December quarter
• Paladin Energy lifts uranium output and sales in December quarter

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.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) shares are catching the eye of investors on Wednesday.

In morning trade, the uranium producer’s shares are up 12% to a 52-week high of $13.01.

Why are Paladin Energy shares roaring higher today?

Investors have been fighting to get hold of the company’s shares today after responding positively to its quarterly update.

According to the release, Paladin Energy’s uranium production increased 16% on the previous quarter to 1.24M pounds. This was driven by an uplift in ore feed grade as a result of a higher proportion of mined ore processed.

The company also revealed strong sales volumes of 1.43M pounds with a realised price of US$71.8 per pound. This represents a 150% and 6.5% increase, respectively, over the first quarter. Management highlights that this reflects the quality of the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) contract book and the strengthening uranium pricing environment.

This was achieved with a cost of production of US$39.7 per pound, which is down 4.6% quarter on quarter.

Combined with the completion of its share purchase plan and the restructure of its syndicated debt facility, Paladin Energy ended the period with cash and investments of US$278.4 million and an undrawn US$70 million revolving credit facility.

Guidance update

Also giving Paladin Energy shares a boost today was its update on its guidance for FY 2026.

Management advised that given the robust production in the first half of FY 2026, coupled with the continued ramp up of LHM to full mining and processing operations, it expects full year production to trend towards the upper end of the guidance range of 4M pounds to 4.4M pounds.

Commenting on the company’s performance during the first half, its CEO, Paul Hemburrow, said:

As global interest in nuclear energy continues to strengthen, I am delighted by our progress in ramping-up operations at Langer Heinrich Mine. The new level of production achieved during the quarter provides insight into the robust performance that can be achieved from this strategic uranium asset. Our site team’s goal is to continue delivering a consistent operational performance for the remainder of this financial year.

Hemburrow also spoke positively about its Patterson Lake South (PLS) Project. He adds:

The capability of our Canadian team is growing under the leadership of Dale Huffman as President Paladin Canada, with exploration and permitting workstreams advancing at PLS. Completion of the debt restructure has provided additional balance sheet flexibility to support the continued ramp up at LHM and progress the PLS Project. As a group we are focused on improving production volumes and ensuring capability to deliver a multi-decade production pipeline for the market and to drive value for our shareholders.

The post Why are Paladin Energy shares jumping 12% to a 52-week high? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Buy, hold, sell: Catalyst Metals, NRW, and Paladin Energy 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.

The Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price is in focus today after the company reported a 17% drop in quarterly sales revenue to $445 million and highlighted the successful ramp-up of its Waitsia Gas Plant.

What did Beach Energy report?

• Quarterly production down 9% to 4.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe)
• Sales volumes fell 13% to 5.9 MMboe
• Sales revenue down 17% to $445 million
• Average realised gas price rose 2% to $11.9 per gigajoule (GJ)
• Waitsia Gas Plant delivered first gas and peaked at 165 TJ/day after quarter-end
• Liquidity at quarter-end rose to $925 million

What else do investors need to know?

Production increases in the Western Flank and Cooper Basin joint venture were achieved following successful flood recovery efforts, with output up 5% and 12% respectively on the previous quarter. Meanwhile, planned maintenance and lower seasonal demand led to a 31% decrease in Otway Basin production.

Beach lifted two Waitsia LNG cargoes in the quarter, generating $111 million in revenue. The company also secured a $300 million term loan to further strengthen its liquidity, ending the quarter with $925 million in cash and undrawn facilities.

What did Beach Energy management say?

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Brett Woods said:

With growth activities underway across all of our core assets, it was an active quarter for Beach with delivery of key milestones on our major projects, whilst maintaining outstanding safety and environmental performance across all operations. Pleasingly, our Beach operated assets achieved 12 months injury free in late December.

Completion of the Waitsia Gas Plant and delivery of first sales gas into the pipeline network is a great achievement. I am very proud of our team’s effort to support and drive the project to completion, unlocking a critical piece of infrastructure for the Western Australian gas market. The ramp-up process is well underway.

What’s next for Beach Energy?

Beach is focused on reaching steady-state operations at Waitsia Gas Plant, with production expected to ramp up towards nameplate capacity in the third quarter of FY26. The company also plans to continue its drilling programs in the Cooper Basin and Western Flank, including an oil appraisal and development campaign and a 10-well exploration campaign into FY27.

Investors can expect further updates when Beach releases its FY26 half-year financial results in early February. Ongoing exploration and development activities will be a key driver for future production and earnings.

Beach Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Beach Energy shares have declined 26%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

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The post Beach Energy shares: quarterly revenue drops, Waitsia ramps up 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.