Blue-chip investing is not about chasing the hottest theme in the market. For me, it is about owning businesses with scale, robust earnings, and the ability to keep delivering through different economic conditions.

Right now, there are a few names on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) that stand out as high-quality businesses trading at levels that look increasingly reasonable.

These are not necessarily risk-free investments, but they are the kinds of ASX 200 shares I would be comfortable owning for the long term.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths remains one of the most defensive businesses on the ASX and is also showing signs of recovery after a difficult period. An uncharacteristically weak FY25 result weighed heavily on sentiment, driven by competitive pressures and operational disruptions. Since then, recent sales updates and commentary suggest the business is steadily regaining its footing.

What I like about Woolworths is the combination of essential spending exposure and strong cash generation. Even modest improvements in margins and execution can have a meaningful impact on earnings. For long-term investors, the current setup looks more attractive than it has for some time.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Telstra continues to appeal as a core portfolio holding, particularly for investors who value stability and income. The telco benefits from dominant market positions in mobile and internet services, with infrastructure that would be extremely difficult to replicate.

Beyond its defensive qualities, Telstra is also working through a multi-year strategy focused on simplifying the business, lifting returns, and improving capital discipline. While it is not a high-growth stock, it does not need to be. Reliable earnings, strong cash flow, and an attractive dividend profile make it a blue-chip ASX 200 share I would be happy to own right now.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO)

Rio Tinto is often thought of first as an iron ore producer, but I think its copper exposure is becoming increasingly important to the investment case. Copper is a critical input for electrification, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, and long-term demand growth looks strong.

Rio Tinto has been investing heavily to grow its copper production over time, including expansions at existing assets and development of new projects. If management executes well, copper could become a much larger contributor to group earnings in the years ahead. That provides diversification away from iron ore and positions the company to benefit from structural trends tied to decarbonisation and infrastructure spending.

Foolish Takeaway

There are always opportunities across the ASX, but I think these three blue-chip ASX 200 shares offer a compelling mix of defensiveness, quality, and long-term relevance right now. They are not guaranteed winners, and short-term volatility is always possible. However, if I were building a portfolio around proven businesses with durable earnings power, these are shares I would seriously consider investing in today.

The post Top 3 ASX 200 blue-chip shares to invest in right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 ASX stocks to hold for the next decade
• 5 ASX dividend shares to buy for an income boost
• Buy, hold, sell: Evolution Mining, Hub24, and Rio Tinto shares
• 2 ASX blue-chip shares offering big dividend yields
• How I would invest $3,000 in ASX shares if I were starting today

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Shares in Life360 Inc (ASX: 360) are flying today after the company delivered a standout quarterly update that beat expectations.

At the time of writing, the Life360 share price is up a massive 28.91% to $34.20.

Zooming out, the stock is now around 38% higher than this time last year, underlining just how sharply investor sentiment has turned.

Let’s take a closer look at the key numbers behind the move.

Record users and subscribers drive momentum

According to the release, Life360 reported a record fourth quarter for user growth, with monthly active users (MAU) reaching 95.8 million. That marks the highest Q4 MAU level in the company’s history and reflects net additions of 16.2 million users over calendar year 2025.

Growth was strong across both regions. US MAU reached 50.6 million, up 18% year on year, while international MAU climbed to 45.3 million, representing 26% annual growth.

Subscriber numbers also hit new highs. Paying Circles reached 2.8 million in Q4, with full-year net additions of 576,000, the largest annual increase on record. International subscriptions stood out, growing 32% year on year.

Financial results beat guidance

Life360 now expects full-year 2025 revenue of $486 million to $489 million, representing approximately 32% year-over-year growth. Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to reach between $87 million and $92 million, implying margins of around 19%.

Both metrics came in ahead of the company’s prior guidance, confirming Life360’s ability to scale while improving profitability.

The balance sheet also remains solid, giving management flexibility to fund product development, marketing, and international expansion without relying heavily on additional capital.

Management also flagged continued strength in user acquisition and monetisation, supported by improved retention rates and expanding subscription adoption.

Looking ahead to 2026

While the market was clearly focused on Life360’s stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, investors were also encouraged by the company’s outlook.

Management expects MAU growth of around 20% in 2026, suggesting the current growth trajectory remains on track. The company plans to continue investing in growth initiatives while remaining focused on expanding EBITDA margins over time.

Life360 will provide its full-year results and a detailed 2026 guidance at its investor conference call in early March.

Why investors are excited

This result highlights how quickly Life360’s business model is maturing.

User growth remains strong, subscription adoption is accelerating, and profitability is improving at the same time.

With the stock now trading near multi-month highs, the next test will be whether Life360 can carry this momentum into 2026.

The post Up 29% today. Why Life360 shares are surging on record results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Life360 posts record Q4 as revenue and EBITDA top guidance
• The bulls are coming: 2 of the best ASX growth shares to buy now to get ahead
• Looking for double-digit returns? Check out RBC Capital Markets’ picks ahead of reporting season
• Why Fortescue, Life360, PLS, and Syrah shares are dropping today
• 3 unstoppable ASX shares to buy with $3,000

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 positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Industrial distributor Coventry Group (ASX: CYG) has released a first-half trading update that points to improving operational momentum while also flagging potential corporate activity through a newly announced strategic review.

While still early in the turnaround, the update suggests Coventry’s “back to basics” reset is beginning to show some traction.

What did Coventry Group report?

For the first half of FY26, Coventry reported unaudited sales of $188.5 million and EBITDA of $3.2 million, representing an improvement on the prior half (2H FY25).

• Group sales increased 5.1% half on half
• EBITDA rose 33% to $3.2 million
• Trade Distribution sales grew 6.6%
• Fluid Systems sales increased 2.7%

Sales momentum improved during the second quarter, although this was partially offset by lower gross margins, growth-related investment in new branches, and one-off costs associated with relocating the Mackay Fluid Systems branch in Queensland.

Encouragingly, Coventry’s cost-out program (which has already delivered approximately $5.1 million in annualised savings) continues to ramp up, with further reductions in the monthly expense run rate expected in coming periods.

What did management say?

Management struck a cautiously optimistic tone but noted that this performance reflects only a nominal contribution from early-stage operational improvements, with most benefits yet to flow through.

While acknowledging margin pressure in the short term, management expects a meaningful uplift in earnings in the second half, as benefits from sales initiatives, gross margin improvements, and cost reductions progressively take hold.

Balance sheet management was also highlighted, with net debt and working capital tracking broadly to plan, and sufficient liquidity maintained alongside continued bank support.

Alongside the trading update, Coventry announced that the Board has commenced a strategic review of its business portfolio following recent unsolicited third-party approaches regarding individual business units.

The review will assess options, including portfolio simplification, separations, or other strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking shareholder value. External advisers have been appointed, although the Board stressed that no decisions have been made and there is no certainty of a transaction. In light of this process, FY26 earnings guidance has been withdrawn.

Foolish bottom line

Coventry Group is going through a significant transition, and the turnaround remains a work in progress.

Improving sales momentum, meaningful cost reductions, and expectations for stronger second-half earnings provide reasons for cautious optimism, but the withdrawal of guidance provides some uncertainty.

It’s still early days, but between operational improvement and possible portfolio action, Coventry has clearly entered a more interesting phase of its turnaround story.

Coventry Group shares are down 53% over the last 12 months.

The post Coventry Group shares fell today but is the turnaround finally taking shape? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Up 29% today. Why Life360 shares are surging on record results
• Insignia Financial responds to ASX on disclosure and governance
• ASX gold shares go crazy as gold price rips toward US$5,000 on Friday
• Why Capstone Copper, Dateline, DroneShield, and Lindian shares are falling today
• Which copper developer’s shares are flying after a positive economic study for their proposed mine?

Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions 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 Insignia Financial Ltd (ASX: IFL) share price is in focus today after the company updated shareholders and the ASX on its compliance with Listing Rules relating to performance rights and disclosure. Management outlined steps taken to improve governance and confirmed ongoing compliance.

What did Insignia Financial report?

• Insignia Financial does not intend to provide further details on performance rights movements between December 2020 and 30 June 2025, instead referring shareholders to annual reports over those periods.
• The company confirmed all required security holder approvals were obtained for performance rights granted to key management, including former CEO Renato Mota and current CEO Scott Hartley.
• Details of grants, approvals, and lapses are available in annual reports and notices of meeting, all of which are accessible on the ASX and company website.
• Updates to internal processes and controls have been made to ensure timely and complete future disclosure of equity incentives and their exercise or lapse.
• Insignia Financial confirms compliance with all relevant ASX Listing Rules, including 3.10.3A, 3.10.3B, 3.10.3E, 7.1, 10.11, and 10.14.

What else do investors need to know?

Insignia Financial has responded directly to ASX queries following an announcement in December detailing its recent reconciliation of performance rights and a review of its notification practices. The company acknowledged an oversight regarding historical reporting and now points investors to publicly available annual reports as the source for detailed movements over the questioned period.

To bolster compliance, Insignia has rolled out new internal checks, regular staff briefings, and strengthened external administrator protocols, aiming to prevent a repeat of past oversights. Management also assured the ASX and investors that updated processes are being actively monitored and embedded into company operations.

What’s next for Insignia Financial?

Looking ahead, Insignia Financial intends to maintain its improved governance standards and newly adopted disclosure processes. The company is also focused on embedding these changes to strengthen investor trust and ensure transparent communication regarding executive equity and performance rights.

Investors can expect ongoing monitoring, regular updates, and clear reporting practices as Insignia adapts its approach to meet rigorous listing rule requirements.

Insignia Financial share price snapshot

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

View Original Announcement

The post Insignia Financial responds to ASX on disclosure and governance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Life360 posts record Q4 as revenue and EBITDA top guidance
• Objective Corporation launches on-market share buy-back
• Guzman y Gomez teams up exclusively with Uber Eats for Australian delivery
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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 gold shares are surging as they recover from yesterday’s rout and respond to the gold price breaking through US$4,900 per ounce.

The gold price is up 0.5% to US$4,958 per ounce, a new record, at the time of writing.

ASX gold shares and ASX gold ETFs are going nuts on Friday.

Get this: the S&P/ASX All Ords Gold Index (ASX: XGD) soared 1,322 points higher to a record 21,612.2 points this morning.

That equates to a staggering 6.5% gain in one day. By comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.34%.

The screaming gold price continues to defy expectations.

Just three months ago, top broker Goldman Sachs predicted that gold would rise to US$4,900 per ounce by the end of 2026.

Well, that happened today, and it’s only January.

The broker conducted a poll of institutional investors in November and found one in three expect gold to go above US$5,000 per ounce.

That seems increasingly likely.

The gold price is up by just under 15% in the year to date.

The market pushed the yellow metal 7% higher this past week alone after US President Donald Trump slapped a new 10% tariff on goods from eight European nations to punish their opposition to his aspirations to buy Greenland.

The gold price rocketed 65% in 2025, following a 27% gain in 2024, largely due to central banks diversifying away from the US dollar.

Let’s see what ASX gold shares and ETFs are doing today.

Hold on to your hats… this is going to be fun.

ASX gold shares soar as gold price hits new record

Let’s focus on the large-cap ASX gold shares first.

The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is up 6.23% to $27.81.

Northern Star shares dropped 8.1% yesterday after the miner disappointed the market with its December quarter report.

Northern Star’s report, significant because it’s the largest gold miner by market cap on the ASX, combined with news of lower unemployment in Australia, which raised the prospects of an interest rate hike this year, weighed on gold shares and ETFs yesterday.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is up 6.59% to $15.04.

Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) shares are up 4.64% to $179.90 apiece.

Among the mid-cap ASX gold shares, Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) shares are up 8.3% to $4.96.

The Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) share price is up 9.81% to $14.22.

The Genesis Minerals Ltd (ASX: GMD) share price is $8.06, up 8.04%.

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares are up 6.6% to $6.46 apiece.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares are up 6.67% to $7.76.

The Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) share price is up 4% to $15.47.

Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) shares are up 4.76% to $5.94 apiece.

Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) shares are up 8.64% to $8.24.

How about ASX small-cap gold shares?

Among the small-cap ASX gold shares, Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) shares are up 8.14% to $1.40.

The Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR) share price is 5.83% higher at $5.45.

Meeka Metals Ltd (ASX: MEK) shares are up 3.57% to 29 cents.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN) shares are up 2.48% to $7.03 apiece.

The Golden Horse Minerals Ltd CDI (ASX: GHM) share price is 0.64% higher at 79 cents.

Black Cat Syndicate Ltd (ASX: BC8) shares are up 5.24% to $1.56.

(By the way, Warwick Grigor, an analyst at Far East Capital, offered some advice on how to select small-cap gold stocks to buy this week.)

What about ASX gold ETFs?

The Betashares Global Gold Miners Currency Hedged ETF (ASX: MNRS) streaked 4.87% to a record $18.94 per unit today.

MNRS was the best performer among the 423 ETFs on the Australian share market last year.

The VanEck Gold Miners AUD ETF (ASX: GDX) is up 4.54% to $157.45.

Perth Mint Gold (ASX: PMGOLD) is up 2.29% to $71.92 per unit.

Global X Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD) is up 2.63% to $66.27 per unit.

VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR), the No. 1 performer among ETFs holding ASX shares in 2025, is up 1.22% to $47.41.

The post ASX gold shares go crazy as gold price rips toward US$5,000 on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Up 145% in 12 months: Why it isn’t too late to buy Regis Resources shares
• Two ASX 200 stocks to buy after crashing 6-9% yesterday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Bell Potter says this ASX 200 gold share is a buy with 18% upside

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

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a positive note. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.3% to 8,874.5 points.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are falling:

Capstone Copper (ASX: CSC)

The Capstone Copper share price is down 3.5% to $14.90. This appears to have been driven by the release of an update on the Mantoverde operation, where some workers are on strike. Capstone advised that individuals entered the desalination plant facilities on 18 January and interfered with its electrical system. This resulted in the interruption of water supply to Mantoverde. Striking union members are preventing access and the restart of facility operations at the desalination plant. Mantoverde’s sulphide operations have been halted and oxide operations will be halted tomorrow unless water supply is restored. Capstone advised that it “is currently seeking judicial support to regain access to the desalination plant to restore water supply to Mantoverde and resume operations.”

Dateline Resources Ltd (ASX: DTR)

The Dateline Resources share price is down 3.5% to 36.2 cents. This has been driven by the completion of a $35 million institutional placement. The gold and rare earths explorer has raised $35 million through a strongly supported placement at a discount of 31 cents per share. Dateline’s managing director, Stephen Baghdadi, commented: “This capital enables us to act decisively in advancing development, expanding drilling, and testing deeper targets, while progressing a potential U.S. listing strategy. Our focus remains squarely on execution and value creation for shareholders.”

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

The DroneShield share price is down 5% to $4.49. This is despite there being no news out of the counter-drone technology company today. One broker that is likely to see this as a buying opportunity is Bell Potter. On Thursday, the broker put a buy rating and $5.00 price target on its shares. It believes the company could benefit from the US Public Safety market. The broker said: “We believe the key catalyst for DRO in CY26 is the potential awards stemming from the US Public Safety market, notably from the US$250m funds allocated to states hosting the FIFA World Cup and the America 250 events for C-UAS protection. We would be disappointed if DRO did not receive material awards from these events.”

Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX: LIN)

The Lindian Resources share price is down 2% to 47.5 cents. This follows the release of the rare earths and bauxite company’s quarterly update. The company saw its cash balance fall from $85 million to $57 million during the three months. Though, this was largely due to equipment and project costs totalling $19.3 million. It also made a $15.1 million payment for the final tranche to increase its ownership of Rift Valley Resource Developments to 100%.

The post Why Capstone Copper, Dateline, DroneShield, and Lindian shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Strike action sends major copper producer’s shares lower
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Why Cogstate, DroneShield, Premier Investments, and South32 shares are storming higher
• Is the DroneShield share price heading to $5.00?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended 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.

Shares in Celsius Resources Ltd (ASX: CLA) were strongly higher on Friday after the company released a definitive feasibility study into its project in the Philippines.

The company said in a statement to the ASX that the Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog copper and gold project had a net present value of $1.98 billion based on conservative copper and gold prices of $4.30 per pound and US$3,000 per ounce, respectively, for the first nine years.

At the current spot prices, the net present value increased to $2.9 billion.

Long life project

The definitive feasibility study envisages a 35-year mine life, based on a maiden ore reserve of 130.2 million tonnes of ore.

A high-grade core would be mined for the first 10 years of the mine’s life, which was expected to generate US$230 million in EBITDA per annum over that period.

The company said in its statement:

The definitive feasibility study follows a scoping study announced in December 2021 and has been prepared with a focus on optimising the underground mine plan, advancing the process plant design, refining surface and underground infrastructure layouts, and developing tender-ready early work packages. The selected mining method is sub-level open stoping, reflecting the geometry and continuity of the mineralisation and prevailing geotechnical conditions. Ore will be processed through a conventional crushing, grinding and flotation concentrator, producing a high-quality copper-gold concentrate.

Celsius Executive Director Neil Grimes said completing the study was a significant milestone for the company.

The study demonstrates a technically robust and economically enhanced project, with competitive capital intensity and operating costs. The company is progressing funding and offtake discussions to advance the project toward a final investment decision and construction.

During the initial 10-year phase, the company expects to mine 24.5 million tonnes of ore at a copper grade of 1.08% and 0.51 grams per tonne of gold, and the project is expected to have a 4.7-year payback period at the conservative commodity prices used in the study.

Celsius has a 40% interest in the project, with Makilala Mining Company (MMCI) owning the remainder.

MMCI Chief Operations Officer Patrique Jane Duran said the study showed the project was robust.

The completion of the definitive feasibility study represents a major milestone and value inflection point for the MCB Copper-Gold Project, confirming it as a long-life, technically robust and finance-ready underground operation with strong economics and a clear development plan. The study validates more than a decade of technical work and provides a solid foundation for funding execution and long-term value creation.

Celsius Resources shares were 15% higher on Friday at 2.3 cents.

The company was valued at $64.8 million at the close of trade on Thursday.  

The post Which copper developer’s shares are flying after a positive economic study for their proposed mine? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Alcoa shares dip despite 25% earnings boost in FY25
• Heart tech firm’s shares surge after huge capital raise
• This ASX small cap has quietly crushed the market and its latest result shows why
• Why this ASX iron ore stock could outperform BHP and Fortescue shares

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.

It has been another busy week for many of Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone right now:

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB)

According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have upgraded this banking giant’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $47.00. The broker believes that NAB has been successful defending its leadership position in business banking. In light of this, it believes the bank is well-placed to benefit from structural business lending growth. And with NAB shares underperforming in 2025, it sees more opportunity for a re-rating this year than it does for the rest of the big four banks. The NAB share price is trading at $42.18 on Friday.

Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL)

A note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have upgraded this investment platform provider’s shares to an outperform rating with a trimmed price target of $32.40. This follows the release of a quarterly update which revealed that its net inflows were ahead of the broker’s expectations. One disappointment was that Netwealth’s EBITDA margin guidance was a touch softer than Macquarie was expecting. This was due to higher investment in software. While Macquarie has trimmed its earnings forecasts to reflect the lower EBITDA margin guidance, it remains positive and sees value in the company’s shares following significant share price weakness. The Netwealth share price is fetching $25.65 at the time of writing.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

Analysts at Bell Potter have retained their buy rating on this gold miner’s shares with an increased price target of $31.10. According to the note, the broker notes that Northern Star has released its second quarter update. But with most of the numbers already pre-released earlier this month, it was a touch surprised with the very negative share price reaction. It suspects this was due to frustrations on Northern Star’s forward guidance and the lack of clear and timely information. While its performance has been disappointing, Bell Potter believes that its issues are largely resolved or one-off, setting up a base for a stronger second half of FY 2026. In addition, it highlights that as it comes to the end of the KCGM mill expansion, it expects the company to generate materially higher free cash flow, which may be distributed to shareholders or re-invested. The Northern Star share price is trading at $27.75 this afternoon.

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

More reading

• Two ASX 200 stocks to buy after crashing 6-9% yesterday
• NAB share price climbed another 3% on Thursday. What’s next for the banking giant in 2026?
• After today’s 8% plunge, is Northern Star now a buy for gold investors?
• Why Fortescue, Generation Development, Northern Star, and Pantoro shares are falling today
• Guess which ASX 200 stock is dropping despite delivering strong Q2 growth

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

ASX 200 mining share Alcoa Corporation CDI (ASX: AAI) is in the red after the aluminium giant released its full-year FY25 earnings.

On Friday morning, Alcoa shares opened at $93.61 and have fallen 2% to $91.76 at the time of writing.

Alcoa produces and sells bauxite, alumina, and aluminium products in the United States, Australia, Spain, Canada, and elsewhere.

Here are the 4Q FY25 and full-year FY25 results.

Alcoa shares weaken despite strong signs in fourth quarter

The highlight of 4Q FY25 was a doubling in the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) compared to 3Q.

Here are the numbers:

• Revenue increased to $3.4 billion, up 15% on 3Q FY25
• Net income of $226 million, down 2.6% on 3Q FY25
• Adjusted net income increased to $335 million vs. a loss of $6 million in 3Q FY25
• Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) excluding special items of $546 million, up 102% on 3Q FY25
• Generated $537 million in cash from operations, up $452 million on 3Q FY25
• Cash balance of $1.6 billion as of 31 December

Here are the details for full-year FY25:

• Revenue increased to $12.8 billion, up 8% on FY24, equating to $4.42 per share vs. 26 cents per share in FY24
• Adjusted net income increased to $1.2 billion, up from $60 million in FY24
• Adjusted EBITDA excluding special items increased to $2 billion, up 25%
• Generated $1.2 billion in cash from operations, up $563 million on FY24
• Reduced total debt to $2.4 billion and adjusted net debt to $1.5 billion

What else happened in FY25?

Alumina production dipped 4% in FY25 primarily due to the full curtailment of the Kwinana refinery in Western Australia in the year prior.

Aluminium production increased 5%, mainly due to the restart of the Alumar smelter in Brazil, San Ciprián in Spain, and Lista in Norway.

Alcoa said it set annual production records at five aluminium smelters and at one alumina refinery over the year.

Revenue increased primarily due to higher average realised prices for aluminium, and higher volumes and prices from bauxite offtake and supply agreements.

This was partially offset by lower average realised prices for alumina and lower aluminium shipments.

The company noted increased tariff costs on imports into the US after President Donald Trump introduced a 50% tariff last year.

The company completed several strategic initiatives in FY25, including the divestment of its stake in the Ma’aden joint venture in July.

It also formed a joint venture with IGNIS Equity Holdings to support the continued operations of its San Ciprián complex in Spain.

News on Australian operations

Alcoa announced the permanent closure of Kwinana in September and received a favourable decision in an Australian tax dispute.

In October, the US and Australian Governments announced a US$200 million concessional equity finance package to help fund a new gallium plant to be co-located at Alcoa’s Wagerup alumina refinery in Western Australia.

Alcoa shares got a 7.5% boost on the day of the announcement.

The gallium plant is a joint venture between Alcoa and Japan’s Sojitz Corporation, with backing from the Japanese Government.

Gallium, which is naturally present in bauxite and can be extracted during the refining process, is on the US Critical Minerals List.

It is an essential input for semiconductors and defence sector technologies.

The deal is part of a US-Australia commitment to get a US$8.5 billion pipeline of critical materials projects into production over time.

What did Alcoa management say?

Alcoa President and CEO William F. Oplinger said:

Reflecting on 2025, we maintained our pace of delivering on key operational, strategic, and capital allocation objectives, while
setting numerous production records.

We continue to build on our positive momentum through disciplined operational and financial execution, along with strategic initiatives to maximize value creation.

What’s next for Alcoa?

Alcoa expects annual alumina production of between 9.7 and 9.9 million tonnes in FY26.

This would be higher than the FY25 production of 9.64 million tonnes due to productivity improvements.

In Australia, Alcoa is seeking regulatory approval to extend its Western Australia bauxite mining.

It wants to expand into the Myara North and Holyoake areas, and re‑enter the O’Neil region.

These would be new mining zones beyond its existing Huntly and Willowdale mines.

This month, the company provided its responses to a Western Australia Environmental Protection Authority (WA EPA) regarding the feedback gathered during a 12-week public comment period for Alcoa’s mining activities in Australia.

These activities include the mine plan for Myara North and Holyoake and the rolling five-year plan for 2023 to 2027.

Alcoa said:

The Company is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve Ministerial decisions by the end of 2026.

Alcoa CDI share price snapshot

The price of Alcoa CDI shares has risen by more than 90% over six months as aluminium prices have improved.

The post Alcoa shares dip despite 25% earnings boost in FY25 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is this ASX 200 mining share up 93% in six months?
• ASX 200 materials sector outperforms as mining shares continue their ascent
• Gallium has been earmarked as a critical mineral. Here’s how you can get exposure on the ASX
• ASX mining shares on fire! New 52-week highs today
• Red hot: These ASX 200 shares are off to a strong start in 2026

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in Alcoa. 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.

Anteris Technologies Global Corp (ASX: AVR) will grow by more than 50% in value after the company closed off a huge capital raise and welcomed a new strategic investor.

Anteris said in a statement to the ASX on Friday that it had raised US$320 million through the issue of new shares at US$5.75 per share.

The raise will bolster the company’s size by more than 60%, with the $467 million raise in Australian dollar terms larger than its ASX value of $370 million and its NASDAQ listing of $394 million.

Key partner on board

Of this new raise, US$90 million was stumped up by Medtronic Plc (NASDAQ: MDT), which Anteris said was the world’s largest medical technology company.

The smaller company said in its statement:

Anteris and Medtronic are aligned around the belief that reshaping the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) market requires advancing clinical science and valve design while maintaining rigorous standards for durability, hemodynamics, and long‑term patient outcomes.

Anteris Chief Executive Officer Wayne Paterson said the investment from Medtronic and other investors was a strong vote of support for the company’s plans.

This strategic investment, along with our underwritten offering of common stock, represent an important milestone for our company. It also provides strong validation of our program from the capital markets and a major strategic innovator. The investment is one aspect of a collaboration that may expand into other strategic areas in the future. Anteris has developed a clinically important, evidence-supported product designed to improve the lives of patients with aortic stenosis as we advance toward regulatory approval.

Clinical trial now well-funded

The funds raised will help Anteris complete the Paradigm clinical trial, which is evaluating the company’s DurAVR THV System in comparison to commercially available transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Medtronic Vice President Jorie Sokin said Anteris was a recognised pioneer in the TAVR sector.

He added:

Our investment in differentiated innovation like the DurAVR THV technology — which has the potential to offer improved valve performance in a balloon-expandable platform — is core to our commitment to define and drive the future of TAVR, meeting the needs of more aortic stenosis patients and heart teams with a comprehensive portfolio.

While it was founded in Australia, Anteris said it also has a significant presence in Minneapolis, and “is a science driven company with an experienced team of multidisciplinary professionals delivering restorative solutions to structural heart disease patients”.

Anteris shares were 5.5% higher in early trade at $9.40.

The post Heart tech firm’s shares surge after huge capital raise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why Anteris shares are in a trading halt 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.