Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares had remarkably different runs in the month just past.

While Coles shares underperformed the 3.7% gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in February, Woolies stock raced ahead of those gains.

On 30 January, Coles shares were trading for $21.28. When the closing bell sounded on 27 February, shares were changing hands for $20.56 apiece, down 3.4% for the month.

Woolworths shares, on the other hand, closed out January trading for $30.94 and ended February at $36 each, up 16.4%.

Here’s what’s been happening with the ASX 200 supermarket giants.

Woolworths shares rocket on results

The biggest news out of Woolworths in February was the release of the company’s half-year results on 25 February.

Woolworths shares closed up 13% on the day after reporting (before significant items) a 3.4% year-on-year increase in sales for the six-month period to $37.14 billion.

And with all of the company’s segments achieving year-on-year earnings growth, the ASX 200 supermarket achieved 14.4% growth in earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to $1.66 billion.

On the bottom line, Woolies reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $859 million, up 16.4% year on year.

The Woolworths shares also likely got a boost from passive income investors after management increased the fully-franked interim dividend by 15.4% from last year’s payout to 45 cents per share.

If you want to bank the interim Woolworths dividend, you’ll have to hurry. Woolies stock trades ex-dividend tomorrow, meaning you’ll need to own shares at market close today to receive that payout. You can then expect to receive the Woolworths dividend on 2 April.

Coles shares hammered on results

Coles released its own half-year results two days later, on 27 February.

Unlike Woolworths shares, Coles stock closed down 7.4% on the day the supermarket reported.

Market expectations were clearly high following Woolworths’ strong results, with Coles coming under selling pressure despite reporting a 2.5% year-on-year increase in sales revenue to $23.6 billion.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) – excluding significant items – of $2.21 billion increased by 7.8%.

And Coles’ NPAT of $676 million was up 12.5% from H1 FY 2025.

With profits up, management declared a fully-franked interim dividend of 41 cents per share. That’s up 10.8% from last year’s interim payout.

You’ve got a little more time if you’re looking to grab the Coles dividend. The ASX 200 stock trades ex-dividend on 10 March, meaning you’ll need to own shares at market close on 9 March. You can then expect to see that passive income payout on 30 March.

Comparing the results between the two supermarket giants, Woolworths shares look to have benefited from materially stronger key growth metrics than Coles posted in the first half.

The post Here’s how Woolworths shares smashed Coles shares in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 1 ASX dividend stock down 15% I’d buy right now
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

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

A new investment fund, the Kapstream Investment Trust (ASX: KIT), is looking to raise $300 million in new capital and list on the ASX by the end of March.

The Trust will take the money raised and invest it in its investment manager’s other funds, the Kapstream Absolute Return Income Fund, the Kapstream Absolute Return Income Plus Fund, and the Kapstream Private Investment Fund.

Those funds, in turn, invest predominantly in fixed income securities and securitised warehouse financing.

Monthly dividend stream targeted

The goal, the Trust’s offer document says, is to target a return of the official cash rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia, plus 3.5%, with monthly dividends envisaged.

The offer document goes on to say:

The units seek to provide investors with a means of diversifying their own portfolios and generating regular income. We expect the units will have lower correlation to domestic and international listed equity markets and are expected to have greater correlation to bond and credit markets.

The offer opened on February 16 and is scheduled to close on March 4, with a minimum raise of $200 million and a maximum of $300 million. The shares are to be offered via brokers only.

The offer document says further regarding the investment philosophy:

The investment strategy of the trust is to invest predominantly in a diversified portfolio of investment grade Australian and global fixed income securities as well as asset backed securities typically in the form of warehouse financing . The trust may also hold cash on a temporary or limited basis. The trust may over time also acquire a portfolio of direct assets that fall within the investment strategy and may, subject to applicable law and the ASX Listing Rules, also invest in other funds managed by Kapstream that provide exposure to assets that fall within the investment strategy.

The offer document also explained the details of warehouse financing.

Warehouse financing is a form of private debt securitisation which provides capital to lenders to ‘on‑lend’ and is a critical part of lending businesses, commonly in the nonbank sector. Underlying borrowers are widely diversified across mortgage, auto, personal, professional, and other receivable and loan types.

The managers of the trust will be paid a management fee but not a performance fee, the offer document says.

The shares in the trust are expected to start trading on the ASX on March 30 under the ticker KIT.

The post This new listed fund is looking to raise $300 million, and will pay a monthly dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 4 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows. Should you buy?

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.

Kingsgate Consolidated Limited (ASX: KCN) shares are in the red in early-afternoon trade on Tuesday. At the time of writing, the ASX stock is down 1.43% at $7.225 a piece.

Despite today’s dip, the stock is still 25.22% higher year to date and an enormous 435.56% higher than this time last year. 

The increase means the stock has significantly outperformed the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), which climbed 10.21% over the same period, and has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ), which increased 52.04% over the year.

Who is Kingsgate and what does it do?

Kingsgate is engaged in gold and silver mining, development, and exploration, operating on the Pacific Rim and with headquarters in Sydney, Australia.

Its main operation is the Chatree Gold Mine in Thailand, which restarted in 2023 after the Thai government halted all gold mining in the country in 2016. Kingsgate also operates the 100%-owned Nueva Esperanza Silver Gold Project in Chile’s Maricunga Belt. 

The gold miner was added to the ASX 300 Index amid a quarterly rebalance in September. The company has a market capitalisation of $1.95 billion.

What pushed the ASX stock higher over the past year?

Kingsgate has ridden the wave of soaring gold prices over the past year as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid worsening geopolitical instability. 

The gold price spiked at an all-time high of US$5,419 in late January. A dramatic buy-the-dip rally sent the metal’s price south earlier this month, but recent geopolitical turmoil has seen investors flock back to the asset. 

The gold price held above US$5,300 on Monday, paring earlier gains after spiking past US$5,419. At the time of writing on Tuesday morning, the gold price has climbed another 0.58% for the day to US$5,353. 

What do analysts expect next?

Even after Kingsgate’s price surge over the past year, it looks like there could be room for more in 2026.

According to TradingView data, two analysts have ratings on the ASX 300 gold miner. One has a hold rating, and the other has a strong buy rating. The average target price is $8.07 per share, which implies a potential 12.15% upside at the time of writing.

The post This ASX stock soared 435% in 12 months, and is tipped to keep climbing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Down almost 40% and at a 52-week low, should you buy this ASX 200 tech stock?
• Fletcher Building shares lift as ASX 200 slides. Here’s why
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• 4 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows. Should you buy?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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 WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) are trading lower in mid-afternoon trade. This comes after the company released a new drilling update from its flagship Luni Niobium Project.

At the time of writing, the WA1 share price is down 1.26% to $17.27. The stock opened in the green but has since seesawed and slipped modestly into the red.

Let’s take a closer look at what the company announced to the ASX.

Infill program lifts confidence in indicated resource

According to the release, WA1 said infill drilling at Luni continues to deliver strong niobium grades. The latest holes include new intersections located immediately next to the existing western indicated mineral resource estimate.

Some of the standout results were:

• 13.7 metres at 2.8% Nb2O5 from 54 metres
• 6.5 metres at 6.6% Nb2O5 from 56.5 metres
• 8.2 metres at 3.2% Nb2O5 from 152 metres
• 13.1 metres at 2.8% Nb2O5 from 143.9 metres
• 22 metres at 2.4% Nb2O5 from 67 metres
• 93.1 metres at 2.1% Nb2O5 from 67.8 metres

Drilling in the eastern indicated area also returned strong results, including 25.3 metres at 3% Nb2O5 and 12.4 metres at 6.1% Nb2O5.

Management said these results could allow more high-grade material to be upgraded into higher confidence categories. A revised mineral resource estimate is expected in the June quarter.

Resource update in focus

WA1 carried out a large drilling program at Luni in 2025 using both diamond and air core rigs. Since the project was discovered, about 85,000 metres have now been drilled, with more assay results still to come.

The diamond drilling has been aimed at better defining the existing mineral resource and increasing confidence in it. Infill holes were mostly drilled on a 50 metre by 50 metre grid in the eastern indicated area and a 100 metre by 100 metre grid in the western inferred area.

WA1 said the latest results show the high-grade mineralisation is consistent and help define its shape, thickness, and grade. More drilling and metallurgical test work is still underway as the company continues its development studies.

About WA1 Resources

WA1 Resources is an S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) company that explores and develops mineral projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Its main project is the Luni Niobium Project, which forms part of the wider West Arunta region.

WA1 has a market capitalisation of about $1.3 billion and roughly 74.3 million shares on issue. Over the past 12 months, the share price has risen around 30%, showing strong investor interest in niobium discoveries in the West Arunta area.

Despite today’s volatility, attention is expected to remain on the next resource update and upcoming drilling results.

The post WA1 shares wobble as new high-grade Luni results hit the market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a disappointing session on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 1.2% to 9,088.9 points.

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

Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC)

The Capstone Copper share price is down 8% to $13.29. This morning, this copper miner revealed full-year production growth of 22% to 224,764 tonnes with a cash cost of $2.44 per pound. However, it also provided guidance for FY 2026, which revealed that it expects production of just 200,000 to 230,000 tonnes with cash costs of $2.45 to $2.75 per pound. The higher costs are expected to be driven by modest inflation and the impact of lower-grade zones driven by mine sequence at Mantos Blancos and Pinto Valley.

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

The Life360 share price is down 10% to $22.10. Investors have been selling this family safety technology company’s shares following the release of its full-year results. At one stage today, Life360’s shares were up as much as 15% before making a significant U-turn. Interestingly, this is despite Life360 delivering earnings ahead of expectations and reiterating its guidance for FY 2026. However, it is worth noting that the tech sector is a sea of red today.

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

The Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price is down 7.5% to $12.73. This morning, this pharmaceuticals company confirmed that European regulators have rejected its application for trofinetide for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Its partner, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), commented: “While we are disappointed by the CHMP’s recommendation to refuse approval, we continue to be encouraged by the meaningful benefits trofinetide has demonstrated for people living with Rett syndrome. The strong engagement and positive feedback we have seen from patients, caregivers, and clinicians in the Rett community reinforce our belief in the treatment’s clinical value. We remain committed to working constructively with EU regulators to explore next steps and to bring this therapy to patients.”

St George Mining Ltd (ASX: SGQ)

The St George Mining share price is down 15.5% to 13.5 cents. This is despite the rare earths explorer announcing a substantial increase in the size and quality of the mineral resource estimate at its 100%-owned Araxa Project. Management believes this confirms the tier one status of the rare earths and niobium deposit in the world’s premier niobium-producing region. However, it seems that investors were expecting stronger numbers.

The post Why Capstone Copper, Life360, Neuren, and St George Mining shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360. The Motley Fool Australia has 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.

Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) shares have dipped near their 52-week low after the company unveiled a new data centre joint-venture on Tuesday morning.

Stockland shares lost 2.3% at $4.89 during afternoon trade, just a fraction above the 52-week low of $4.77.

Over the past 12 months, Stockland shares have declined 4.4%, lagging the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 11.5% over the same period.

Growth in future-focused sectors

Stockland announced a new 50/50 partnership with EdgeConneX. This deal pairs Stockland’s property smarts with EdgeConneX’s know-how in building and operating hyperscale data centres. These facilities aim to meet surging demand from cloud and AI providers.

The move signals a bold step into digital infrastructure. Details on costs and returns are still under wraps, but the partnership fits Stockland’s strategy of innovation and growth in future-focused sectors.

Construction on the first Australian sites is expected in the 2027 financial year, with more locations under review. The move taps into growing demand for cloud and enterprise infrastructure.

Property as core

Stockland’s core business remains property. It develops and manages residential communities, retail centres, logistics hubs, and workplaces. The model blends recurring rental income with profits from land and property developments.

The company’s latest results, released on 16 February, showed solid performance. Statutory profit in the first half of FY26 rose to $292 million, up from $245 million a year earlier.

Funds From Operations (FFO) jumped nearly 30% to $325 million, while FFO per security climbed to 13.5 cents. The interim distribution increased to 9 cents per security. Management reaffirmed full-year guidance for 36 to 37 cents FFO per Stockland share.

Clear strengths, lingering risks

Stockland has clear strengths. Its portfolio spans multiple sectors, providing a mix of rental income and development profits. Logistics and town centre leasing remain resilient. Residential settlements continue to support growth.

But risks linger. Property is sensitive to interest rate cycles and market demand. Development projects take time and capital. Long-term data centre ventures carry execution risk. Investors in Stockland shares will watch cash flow and dividend sustainability closely.

What next for Stockland shares?

Looking ahead, Stockland and EdgeConneX are set to roll out data centres across key Australian markets, tapping into the booming cloud and AI sectors. The EdgeConneX tie-up could add future value. Data centres are a fast-growing segment with strong long-term demand.

But the market reaction suggests investors are cautious about balancing this new venture with core operations. Investors will be keeping a close eye on the timeline and the dollars behind the deal as the partnership takes shape.

For now, Stockland shares reflect both opportunity and risk. Execution on the data centre plan, alongside steady property performance, will determine if the stock can climb from these lows.

The post Why are Stockland shares diving to near 52-week lows? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is having a tough session on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 1.4% to 9,073.1 points.

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

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

The Boss Energy share price is up 1.5% to $1.85. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Bell Potter this week. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the uranium producer’s shares to a buy rating with a $1.95 price target. It said: “We make no adjustments to our TP in this note, but take the opportunity to upgrade BOE to Buy (previously Hold), following deterioration in the price. We continue to see the market positioning for a negative outcome in the upcoming wide-spaced wellfield program, creating an asymmetric risk opportunity in our opinion.”

Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX: LIN)

The Lindian Resources share price is up 24% to 65.7 cents. This morning, Lindian announced plans to acquire 100% of an existing mixed rare earths carbonate (MREC) processing facility previously operated by a joint venture between Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and Kazatomprom. Executive Chairman, Robert Martin, commented: “The acquisition of the SARECO Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate facility is a defining step for Lindian. It fast-tracks our transition from a concentrate producer to an integrated rare earths company with downstream capability, materially enhancing margins, commercial flexibility and long-term strategic value.”

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is up 20% to $10.11. Investors have responded positively to the fund manager’s plan to merge with Barrenjoey. Magellan’s chair, Andrew Formica, said: “The merger with Barrenjoey marks a transformative step in MFG’s evolution, bringing together two highly complementary businesses to create an Australian financial services group with meaningful scale and breadth.” This morning, Magellan announced that it has completed a $130 million institutional capital raise to help fund the merger.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC)

The New Hope share price is up 5% to $4.98. This morning, this coal miner announced the extension of its existing on-market share buyback for another 12 months. However, it notes that this is subject to the prevailing share price and market conditions and will be executed at the company’s discretion having regard to a number of factors. This includes market conditions, its share price, its future capital requirements, and consideration of any unforeseen developments or circumstances that may arise.

The post Why Boss Energy, Lindian, Magellan, and New Hope shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• New Hope extends share buy-back program to March 2027
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) coal shares are surging on Tuesday after the thermal coal price lifted by more than 8%.

The market’s three largest coal miners are among the fastest rising ASX 200 shares today, with energy the only sector in the green.

Currrently, the Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) share price is $6.41, up 3.6%, while Whitehaven Ltd (ASX: WHC) is up 3.2% to $8.20.

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC) shares reached a 52-week high of $5.02, up 5.7%, in earlier trade on news of an extended buyback.

New Hope will extend its on-market share buyback program til 2 March next year.

The coal miner announced the buyback initially in March last year.

New Hope shares are the second-fastest risers on the ASX 200 today, with Yancoal fourth and Whitehaven fifth.

Coal price lifts overnight

Today’s price spike for the ASX 200 coal shares follows an 8.6% lift in the thermal coal price to US$128.70 per tonne in overnight trading.

This is the highest price thermal coal has traded at since mid-December 2024.

Analysts at Trading Economics said the coal price increased due to expectations of resilient global demand despite the green energy transition.

The analysts said:

China, the world’s largest coal producer and consumer, continued to add new coal-fired power capacity as Beijing prioritizes energy security and grid reliability.

Investors are also awaiting signals from China’s upcoming parliamentary meeting for further demand guidance.

The annual “Two Sessions” will take place from March 4 to around March 11, when authorities are expected to release the 15th Five-Year Plan outlining policy objectives for 2026-2030.

The analysts said US President Donald Trump has also moved to bolster the country’s struggling coal-fired power sector.

The US Government has allocated $175 million for modernising six coal-fired plants.

It has also directed the US Department of Defense to procure electricity from additional facilities.

Should you buy ASX 200 coal shares?

CMB International has a buy rating on the ASX 200’s largest coal share, Yancoal, with a 12-month price target of $6.84.

China International Capital Corporation (CICC) is also buy-rated with a price target of $6.30.

Jefferies has a buy rating on Whitehaven shares with a $9.50 price target.

Morgan Stanley has a hold rating on the ASX 200 coal share with a $9.80 target.

Morgans has a hold rating on New Hope shares with a $5 target, while Bell Potter has a sell rating with a $4.10 target.

The post ASX 200 coal shares surge as commodity price lifts to 14-month high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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 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 Capstone Copper Corp (ASX: CSC) share price is moving lower on Tuesday.

The decline follows the release of the copper producer’s fourth quarter results before market open.

In midday trade, Capstone shares are down 5.18% to $13.72. Despite today’s pullback, the company’s shares remain up more than 50% over the past 12 months.

Here is what the company reported.

Record production caps off strong year

Capstone delivered consolidated copper production of 58,273 tonnes in Q4 2025, up 8% from 53,942 tonnes in the prior corresponding period. The increase was driven by stronger sulphide production at Mantoverde and Mantos Blancos.

For the full year, consolidated copper production rose 22% to 224,764 tonnes, compared with 184,460 tonnes in 2024.

Realised copper prices also improved. Capstone achieved an average realised copper price of US$5.36 per pound in Q4, up from US$4.04 per pound a year earlier. For the full year, the realised price averaged US$4.65 per pound, compared with US$4.16 in 2024.

C1 cash costs declined significantly. Consolidated C1 cash costs in Q4 fell to US$2.31 per pound, down from US$2.52 per pound in Q4 2024. For the full year, C1 cash costs dropped 12% to US$2.44 per pound.

Earnings and cash flow expand

Revenue in Q4 totalled $685 million, up from $446.9 million in the prior corresponding period. Full-year revenue increased to $2.36 billion from $1.60 billion in 2024.

Net income attributable to shareholders came in at $50.6 million for the quarter, up from $45.9 million a year earlier. On an adjusted basis, net income attributable to shareholders was $78.7 million for Q4.

For the full year, net income attributable to shareholders surged to $315.9 million, compared with $82.9 million in 2024. Adjusted net income was $163.6 million for the year.

Adjusted EBITDA reached $308 million in Q4, up from $171.9 million in the prior corresponding period. For the full year, adjusted EBITDA rose to $952.7 million, almost double the $496.1 million recorded in 2024.

Operating cash flow before changes in working capital increased to $287.3 million in Q4. For the full year, operating cash flow before changes in working capital was $897 million.

Balance sheet and outlook

Net debt stood at $780.1 million as at 31 December 2025, compared with $742 million a year earlier. Total available liquidity was reported at just over $1 billion at year end.

Looking ahead, Capstone has reaffirmed 2026 production guidance of 200,000 to 230,000 tonnes of copper at C1 cash costs of US$2.45 to US$2.75 per pound. The company expects largely stable production in 2026, with growth anticipated from Mantoverde Optimised from 2027.

While the market has driven the stock lower today, 2025 was a record year for production and earnings. The result was supported by stronger copper prices and improved unit costs.

The post ASX copper producer falls after record Q4 performance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price was in fine form in February.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed out January trading for $50.57. When the closing bell sounded on 27 February, shares were changing hands for $58.41 each.

This saw the BHP share price up 15.5% over the month just past, racing ahead of the 3.7% gains posted by the ASX 200 over this same time.

That strong performance also saw BHP retake the title of biggest stock on the ASX (by market cap) from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) towards the end of the month.

Now, here’s why investors have been busily buying shares in the big Aussie miner.

BHP share price jumps on strong earnings results

The biggest news out from the miner over the month was the release of its half-year earnings results (H1 FY 2026) on 17 February.

The BHP share price closed up 4.7% on the day, with investors responding favourably to revenue of US$27.90 billion for the six months, up 11% from H1 FY 2025.

And earnings leapt 25% year-on-year, with BHP reporting underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$15.46 billion.

On the bottom line, the ASX 200 miner achieved a 22% increase in underlying profit to US$6.20 billion.

This saw management declare a fully franked interim dividend of 73 US cents (AU$1.03) a share, up 30% in Aussie dollar terms and up 46% in US dollar terms.

That passive income payout is still up for grabs, by the way. Though if you want to score the interim $1.03 BHP dividend, you’ll need to be fast.

BHP trades ex-dividend this Thursday. Meaning you’ll need to own shares at market close tomorrow, 4 March, to receive those dividends. You can then expect to see that passive income hit your bank account on 26 March.

ASX 200 miner embracing copper

One of the standouts from the miner’s half year results were its copper earnings.

At more than US$13,300 per tonne, the copper price has gained 40% over the past 12 months.

And the BHP share price has gotten an added boost as the miner expands its copper exposure.

For H1Y 2026, the company reported underlying EBITDA of US$8.0 billion from its copper division. That’s up 59% year-on-year, and it’s the first time BHP saw copper deliver more than half its earnings.

Management also piqued investor interest on the day after upgrading BHP’s full year FY 2026 copper production guidance to between 1.9 million and 2.0 million tonnes. BHP produced 984,000 tonnes of copper in the first half of FY 2026.

The post Why the BHP share price rocketed 16% in February appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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