• Up 169% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords gold stock jumping again today?

    gold, gold miner, gold discovery, gold nugget, gold price,

    The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is down 0.4% in morning trade today, but that’s not holding back this soaring ASX All Ords gold stock.

    The outperforming company in question is Strickland Metals Ltd (ASX: STK).

    Shares in the Aussie gold miner closed yesterday trading for 21 cents. At tithe me of writing, shares are swapping hands for 21.5 cents each, up 2.4%.

    With today’s gains factored in, this sees the Strickland Metals share price up an eye-popping 168.8% since this time last year.

    Part of that stellar rise has been driven by the soaring gold price. Gold is currently trading for US$4,666 per ounce, putting the gold price up 70% over 12 months.

    But Strickland Metals has hardly been sitting idle.

    Here’s what investors are mulling over today.

    ASX All Ords gold stock gains on drilling results

    Before market open this morning, Strickland reported on a fresh batch of assay results from three diamond drill-holes. The holes were drilled at Strickland’s 5.3-million-ounce gold equivalent (AuEq) Shanac Deposit, which is located within its 100%-owned 8.6Moz AuEq Rogozna Project in Serbia.

    The ASX All Ords gold stock highlighted that the significant new intercepts from its diamond drilling campaign demonstrate the potential of both bulk tonnage and higher-grade mineralised zones within the Shanac Deposit.

    Among the top results, Strickland reported 37.2 metres at 1.1 grams of gold equivalent per tonne from 284.4 metres; and 113.4m at 1.7g/t AuEq from 451.0 metres, including 28.0m at 2.7g/t AuEq from 532.4 metres.

    Investors can expect further updates from the exploratory drill campaign, with assays still pending for multiple holes from across the Rogozna Project. The ASX All Ords gold stock expects to receive those results in the coming weeks.

    On the funding side, as at 30 September, Strickland Minerals held cash and liquids totalling $41.8 million.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the results that look to be boosting the ASX All Ords gold stock today, Strickland managing director Paul L’Herpiniere said, “The three diamond holes reported in this announcement all returned outstanding zones of strong copper-gold mineralisation, reinforcing the scale, quality and potential of our cornerstone ~5.3Moz AuEq Shanac Deposit.”

    L’Herpiniere added:

    We are pleased to see that the latest holes have also provided further definition of the higher-grade zones within the deposit, with the results to contribute towards an updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Shanac – which remains on track to be reported later this quarter.

    Against the backdrop of record metal prices, and with an aggressive ongoing exploration commitment, strong expected news-flow and a strong balance sheet, Strickland is poised for another exceptional year in 2026.

    The post Up 169% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords gold stock jumping again today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Strickland Metals Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Strickland Metals Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Strickland Metals Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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 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.

  • Why this could be the best ASX dividend stock to buy today

    A red heart-shaped balloon float up above the plain white ones, indicating the best shares

    Owning ASX dividend stocks certainly comes with its advantages. Who wouldn’t want to own an investment that pays great passive income each year?

    The investment I want to highlight in this article has risen by around 90% over the past five years and has also provided strong dividends to shareholders.

    That business is MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF). I’ve made it one of the largest positions in my portfolio for a few very good reasons. So, let’s get into why it’s a compelling idea.

    Great ASX dividend stock credentials

    The business has a goal of increasing its dividends for shareholders over time. It has been very successful with this goal over the last several years.

    MFF has increased its annual ordinary dividend each year since 2017.

    Pleasingly, it has increased the half-yearly dividend by 1 cent per share every six months, going back to October 2023. The latest two payments were 9 cents per share from the FY25 annual result and 8 cents per share with the FY25 half-year result.

    If it continues this trend and declares a 10-cent per share dividend next month (February) and an 11-cent per share dividend in August, it will have a grossed-up dividend yield of around 6% this year, including franking credits. That would represent a year-over-year increase of 23%.

    I’m expecting plenty of dividend growth in subsequent years because of the large profit reserve and good investment track record.

    Excellent portfolio process

    MFF has a fabulous track record of delivering long-term returns with its portfolio that is largely focused on high-quality global stocks.

    The ASX dividend stock has had names like Visa, Mastercard, Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft in the portfolio for years. Recent investments include L1 Group Ltd (ASX: L1G) and KKR, which could be great ideas for the long term.

    MFF targets great businesses with strong compounding potential with above-average prospects.

    Some investments out there have a much larger risk of not working out than others, and MFF has a good track record of avoiding those sorts of duds, even if it means missing out on the occasional Nvidia-type business.

    According to CMC Markets, MFF has delivered an average total shareholder return (TSR) of 18% per year over the last five years. I think that’s a good proxy for its portfolio performance in that time.

    It trades at a discount

    Isn’t it great when we go into a shop, and the item we want is cheaper than we expected? In my view, MFF is trading at a very appealing value.

    Every week, MFF tells investors what its underlying value is with its pre-tax net tangible assets (NTA). At the time of writing, the MFF share price is trading at a 9% discount to the latest weekly NTA figure.

    While the discount has been larger in the past, I think it’s still a very attractive value to buy this ASX dividend stock.

    The post Why this could be the best ASX dividend stock to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mff Capital Investments right now?

    Before you buy Mff Capital Investments shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Mff Capital Investments wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Mff Capital Investments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, KKR, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Mastercard, Mff Capital Investments, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • ARB shares are crashing 15% today. What’s spooking investors?

    a man frustrated looking at the engine of his car

    Shares in ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) are under heavy pressure on Tuesday after the 4WD accessories giant released a half-year trading update.

    The ARB share price is down a sharp 14.89% to $27.50, extending a tough run for investors. The stock is now down roughly 30% over the past 12 months, pushing it back toward levels last seen in 2023.

    So, what did the company say, and why has the market reacted so harshly?

    Revenue slips despite export growth

    ARB revealed that unaudited sales revenue for the six months to 31 December 2025 came in at $358 million, down 1% on the prior corresponding period (pcp).

    The result reflected weaker domestic conditions, partially offset by strong growth offshore.

    Australian aftermarket sales declined 1.7%, reflecting softer demand for key vehicle models and ongoing fitting capacity constraints. At the same time, OEM channel sales in Australia fell sharply, down 38.2%, largely due to the timing of OEM contracts and model releases.

    That weakness was offset by continued momentum in international markets. Export sales increased 8.8%, with sales into the key US market up 26.1%, highlighting the growing importance of offshore demand to ARB’s earnings mix.

    Profit takes a hit

    The bigger concern for investors sits at the earnings line, where margin pressure and softer domestic conditions weighed on results.

    ARB expects to report underlying profit before tax of approximately $58 million for the half, representing a 16.3% decline compared with the prior year.

    Management pointed to two key factors behind the drop. Gross margins were squeezed by a weaker Australian dollar against the Thai baht, increasing manufacturing costs. In addition, lower factory overhead recoveries followed elevated inventory levels in the pcp.

    The company also flagged several one-off items during the half. These included a $1.3 million pre-tax gain on a property sale, partially offset by $2.2 million in goodwill impairment costs linked to the termination of the Thule distribution agreement.

    Balance sheet still rock solid

    Despite the profit downgrade, ARB’s balance sheet remains a clear strength.

    At 31 December 2025, the company held $59.4 million in cash and no debt, even after paying a 35-cent final dividend and a 50-cent special dividend during the period.

    That balance sheet strength gives ARB flexibility as it navigates margin pressure and softer domestic conditions, while continuing to invest in offshore growth opportunities.

    Is the sell-off overdone?

    Today’s reaction suggests the market is increasingly focused on earnings risk and the outlook for margin recovery in the near term. That concern is clearly understandable given the profit downgrade from management.

    However, ARB remains a high-quality brand with growing export exposure, a debt-free balance sheet, and long-term leverage to global 4WD and off-road demand.

    With the share price now well below its 2024 highs, investors will be watching closely when full half-year results are released on 24 February to see whether margins begin to stabilise.

    For now, sentiment toward ARB has clearly turned negative, and the shares remain firmly in the penalty box.

    The post ARB shares are crashing 15% today. What’s spooking investors? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in ARB Corporation right now?

    Before you buy ARB Corporation shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and ARB Corporation wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for NAB shares

    Man holding out $50 and $100 notes in his hands, symbolising ex dividend.

    Owning National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) shares usually means receiving a good level of passive income each year. But, dividend payouts are not guaranteed.

    ASX bank shares usually trade on a relatively low price/earnings (P/E) ratio and are fairly generous with their dividend payout ratio. That can result in a solid dividend yield.

    NAB faces strong competition in Australia, with some businesses like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) wanting to take some of the bank’s market share in the business banking space. Let’s see how analysts think the dividends could play out in the coming months.

    First, FY26

    We’re currently in the 2026 financial year, so investors won’t have to wait too long to find out what the dividend payments are going to be in the months ahead.

    Following multiple RBA rate cuts over the last 12 months, demand for loans has picked up, and this is a useful tailwind for earnings for NAB (and other banks). Not only that, but a lower interest rate also helps reduce the risk of loan defaults for borrowers.

    But, rate cuts can be a negative for the net interest margin (NIM) of an ASX bank share because it can’t earn as much on the no-interest transaction accounts when it lends out that money to borrowers.

    In terms of the dividend, the projection on CMC Markets suggests investors are going to get a stable payout in the 2026 financial year (compared to FY25). The forecast implies the business could pay an annual dividend of $1.70 per NAB share.

    That level of payment would translate into a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.7%, including franking credits, at the time of writing. That’s not the biggest payout around, but it’s noticeably better than the term deposits NAB offers.

    Next, FY27

    For investors hoping for dividend growth, the FY26 projection may be disappointing.

    But, earnings per share (EPS) is expected to increase in the 2027 financial year, which is a useful driver of funding larger dividends.

    The forecast on CMC Markets for the dividend is $1.705 per share. That would only represent a year-over-year increase of 0.3%, but it’s better than nothing.

    If owners of NAB shares do receive that, it’d be a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.7%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

    Finally, FY28

    In the 2028 financial year, investors may finally start seeing a noticeable increase of the payout.

    The projection on CMC Markets suggests the business could pay an annual dividend of $1.72 per NAB share. That would represent an annual increase of 0.9% year -over-year. This would be a grossed-up dividend yield of 5.75%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

    It’s certainly not one of the first ASX shares I’d buy for dividends based on the payouts.

    The post Here’s the dividend forecast out to 2028 for NAB shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in National Australia Bank Limited right now?

    Before you buy National Australia Bank Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and National Australia Bank Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

  • AMP shares sliding today on big leadership news

    CEO of a company talking to her team.

    AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) shares are slipping today.

    Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) diversified financial services company closed yesterday trading for $1.815. In early morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $1.792 apiece, down 1.3%.

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

    This comes following major leadership news.

    Here’s what’s happening.

    AMP shares dip on CEO succession

    This morning, investors learned that Blair Vernon will take the reins as the company’s new CEO.

    Sitting CEO, Alexis George, will retire from her executive roles on 30 March. George has served as AMP’s CEO since August 2021, overseeing a period of significant transformation and growth for the company.

    Indeed, AMP shares have gained around 70% over this period, not including the ASX 200 stock’s dividends.

    Following her retirement, George will be available to AMP to assist with the leadership handover and ongoing support.

    As the current chief financial officer (CFO) of AMP, the company noted Vernon’s appointment as CEO will help to ensure a seamless transition and ongoing execution of its key strategic initiatives.

    Indeed, Vernon already has served as acting CEO for AMP Australia from August 2020 to January 2021.

    Vernon will earn a base salary of $1.4 million per year, along with a range of incentive opportunities.

    A word from management

    Commenting on the CEO transition that’s yet to lift AMP shares today, chair Mike Hirst said:

    Alexis has guided AMP through a significant transformation that has streamlined the organisation and focused each business on its strongest growth opportunities. She stabilised the business and oversaw the successful sale of AMP Capital and the Advice business whilst building a customer focused culture.

    Hirst noted that the board was “unequivocal in its view that Blair brings the right breadth of experience and capability to lead AMP in its next phase of growth as CEO”.

    He added:

    Blair has built confidence by tightening financial management, steering our capital return program and successfully executing both the AMP Capital separation and the AMP Advice sale and partnership. The Board congratulates Blair on his appointment and looks forward to working with him and our excellent leadership team to build on the positive momentum within the business.

    George said:

    AMP has undertaken significant transformation to become a simpler, customer-focused, and growth oriented organisation. I am proud of our achievements over the past five years, particularly helping our customers retire with confidence.

    Incoming CEO Vernon concluded, “AMP is delivering against its strategy, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in executing our strategic ambitions and delivering positive outcomes to customers, shareholders, communities and colleagues.”

    With today’s dip factored in, AMP shares remain up 12% since this time last year.

    The post AMP shares sliding today on big leadership news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in AMP Limited right now?

    Before you buy AMP Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and AMP Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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 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.

  • 3 ASX 200 shares I’d load up on if markets crashed tomorrow

    A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward.

    Market crashes are uncomfortable, but they are also one of the few times when high-quality businesses can go on sale.

    While no one can predict when a sell-off will occur, it is worth knowing in advance which S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares you would be happy to buy if sentiment suddenly turned negative.

    If markets crashed tomorrow, I would not be looking for turnaround stories or speculative rebounds. I would focus on quality companies with strong market positions and long-term relevance. These are three ASX shares I would be ready to buy in that scenario.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

    CBA would be high on my list in a market crash.

    The bank has consistently delivered stronger returns on equity than its peers, supported by disciplined cost control, a high-quality loan book, and leading digital capabilities. That operational strength matters most when conditions become more challenging.

    CBA shares often hold up better than other banks during periods of stress, which means any broad market sell-off that drags them lower can create an opportunity. While the bank typically trades at a premium, a market crash is one of the few situations where that premium can narrow meaningfully.

    If markets fell sharply, I would be comfortable increasing exposure to CBA as a long-term core holding.

    Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

    Cochlear is the kind of business I would like to buy at a discount.

    The company operates in hearing implants, a market driven by medical need and ageing demographics rather than economic cycles. Demand does not disappear during tough times, and Cochlear’s technology, brand, and clinical relationships create high barriers to entry.

    Share price volatility does not change the underlying need for hearing solutions. If a market crash pushed Cochlear shares lower alongside unrelated sectors, I would see that as an opportunity to buy a high-quality healthcare business at a more attractive valuation.

    Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

    Pro Medicus is an ASX 200 share I would definitely look to add during a sell-off.

    The company provides enterprise medical imaging software that is deeply embedded in hospital workflows. Once installed, the platform becomes mission-critical, with long contracts and high switching costs.

    Growth stocks like Pro Medicus can be hit hard during market crashes, even when the underlying business continues to perform well. That disconnect between share price and fundamentals can create compelling entry points.

    If markets crashed tomorrow, I would be comfortable buying Pro Medicus shares with the intention of holding them for many years, rather than worrying about short-term volatility.

    Foolish Takeaway

    Market crashes are never pleasant, but they can reward preparation.

    Commonwealth Bank, Cochlear, and Pro Medicus operate in very different areas, yet they share important traits. They have strong competitive positions, resilient demand, and management teams that have proven they can execute over time.

    If markets fell sharply tomorrow, these are ASX 200 shares I would be confident loading up on and holding as conditions eventually normalise.

    The post 3 ASX 200 shares I’d load up on if markets crashed tomorrow appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Commonwealth Bank of Australia right now?

    Before you buy Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Commonwealth Bank of Australia wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • BHP shares rise on solid half and copper upgrade

    A group of people in suits and hard hats celebrate the rising share price with champagne.

    BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are edging higher on Tuesday.

    On Tuesday morning, the mining giant’s shares are up slightly to $49.06.

    This follows the release of its first half production update.

    How did BHP perform during the first half?

    For the six months ended 31 December, BHP reported copper production of 984.1kt. This was flat on a prior corresponding period. Escondida delivered steady production, Copper South Australia recorded a 2% increase in production, and Antamina posted an 8% increase in production. This offset production declines at Pampa Norte (Spence) and Carajas.

    BHP’s iron ore production increased 2% during the first half to 133.8Mt. This reflects modest production growth at WAIO and a large jump from the Samarco operation.

    Elsewhere, steelmaking coal production lifted 2% and energy coal production increased 10%.

    Guidance updates

    In light of its solid first half performance, management has upgraded parts of its FY 2026 guidance.

    Its production guidance has increased for group copper, Escondida, and Antamina. Whereas NSWEC and Samarco are also now guiding to the upper half of their ranges, while BMA is now guiding to the lower half due to ongoing geotechnical challenges at Broadmeadow.

    FY 2026 unit cost guidance remains unchanged for all assets, with Escondida now guiding to the bottom end and BMA guiding to the upper half of their respective ranges.

    Management notes that the increase in its copper production guidance enables BHP to further capitalise on record copper prices. The strong copper price is being driven by healthy demand and supply disruptions at a number of competitors.

    Commenting on the half, BHP’s CEO, Mike Henry, said:

    BHP delivered another half of very strong performance with operational records at our copper and iron ore assets. This was achieved safely and in a positive commodity price environment, with copper prices up 32% and iron ore prices 4% higher year on year. We have increased FY26 group copper production guidance off the back of stronger delivery across our assets. Our flagship copper operation, Escondida, achieved record concentrator throughput and we have increased the FY26 production guidance range. Antamina has also lifted its production guidance, and Spence and Copper SA are tracking to plan, with Copper SA achieving record refined gold output.

    In iron ore, WAIO achieved record first half production and shipments, positioning us well ahead of the typically wet third quarter. Volumes from Samarco rose as a result of strong operational performance at the second concentrator following its restart at the end of H1 FY25.

    Henry also provided an update on its potash plans, revealing that the Jansen potash project in Canada should be up and running next year. He adds:

    The Jansen potash project in Canada is on track to begin production in mid-2027. Jansen will be a long life, low cost and scalable asset that will add a new, future facing commodity to BHP’s portfolio, which we expect will generate value for shareholders over many decades. We have separately provided an updated cost estimate for Jansen Stage 1 today.

    Outlook

    BHP’s leader spoke positively about the miner’s outlook. Henry is expecting robust demand from China and growing demand from India. He concludes:

    China’s commodity demand remains resilient, supported by targeted policy measures and solid exports. Momentum moderated in H2 CY25, notably in construction, manufacturing and infrastructure investments. India is emerging as a key engine of demand, with strong domestic activity sustaining steel and rising copper needs. Forecast global growth in 2026 is around 3%, creating a positive backdrop for commodity demand. BHP enters the second half of FY26 with strong operating momentum. We’re investing for the decade ahead, with a significant copper growth pipeline and a pathway to ~2 Mt of attributable copper production in the 2030s.

    The post BHP shares rise on solid half and copper upgrade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in BHP Group right now?

    Before you buy BHP Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and BHP Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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

  • Summerset Group Holdings FY25 results: record sales and growth momentum

    happy group of people

    The Summerset Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SUM) share price is in focus today after the company reported a record 1,560 occupation right sales for FY25, up 26% on FY24, with new sales rising 16% and strong momentum continuing into Q4.

    What did Summerset Group report?

    • FY25 total occupation right sales: 1,560 (up 26% from FY24)
    • FY25 new sales (excluding care bed conversions): 680 (up 16% on FY24)
    • Q4 FY25 total sales: 448 (207 new sales, 241 resales)
    • 125 care bed conversions included in FY25 results
    • 637 new units delivered in New Zealand and 56 in Australia during FY25
    • Resale stock uncontracted reduced to 2.7% (down from 3.0% at FY24)

    What else do investors need to know?

    Summerset’s full year sales included a mix of new homes and resales across its New Zealand and Australian villages. The company highlighted especially strong performances from large metro villages in Boulcott and St Johns as new apartment blocks reached completion.

    Presales at Chirnside Park in Australia are off to a solid start, with 50% of the 28 new homes already presold since late 2025. Summerset continues its measured growth strategy in the Australian market, delivering homes in line with targets.

    The company reduced its uncontracted resale stock and ended the year with a 31% increase in contracted new sale stock over the past year, showing strong future sales momentum.

    What did Summerset Group management say?

    Chief Executive Officer Scott Scoullar said:

    This is a positive result reflecting our hard work throughout the business to bring new residents into our villages and to improve profitability of care at Summerset – it’s pleasing to achieve both a record quarter and full year in this challenging market.

    What’s next for Summerset Group?

    Summerset expects to enter FY26 with a strong pipeline of committed sales contracts. The company is aiming to keep delivering new and resale stock in line with recent performance, and sees opportunities as it continues its selective Australian expansion.

    Investors can look out for further details when the company releases its full FY25 annual report on 27 February 2026.

    Summerset Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Summerset Group shares have declined 14%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Summerset Group Holdings FY25 results: record sales and growth momentum appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Summerset Group Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Summerset Group Holdings Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Summerset Group Holdings Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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.

  • Is Bank of Queensland stock a buy for its 9% dividend yield?

    A mature aged man with grey hair and glasses holds a fan of Australian hundred dollar bills up against his mouth and looks skywards with his eyes as though he is thinking what he might do with the cash.

    Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) stock has taken a bit of a dive over the last six months, falling by more than 15%, as the chart below shows. Investors may like to know that the ASX bank share is predicted to pay a large dividend in the coming year.

    Dividends shouldn’t be seen as the sole source of returns, but they can form an important part of total shareholder returns, particularly for banks.

    As one of the smaller challenger banks, BOQ usually trades on a lower price/earnings (P/E) ratio than its major peers, making its dividend yield look particularly appealing for yield hunters.

    Let’s take a look at how large the dividend payout could be for investors in FY26 and the outlook for better payments in future years.

    Potential payout in FY26

    Analyst projections are not guarantees of what dividends a business will pay, but I think the estimates are a useful guide of what the payout could be. Some companies decide on their payout size based on a particular dividend payout ratio.

    The analysts from UBS think the bank could deliver a payout that equates to a dividend yield of 6.3%, or around 9%, including franking credits, in FY26. That’d be a very pleasing level of passive income from the bank.

    The payout could be similar in FY27, with another grossed-up dividend yield of around 9%.

    UBS forecasts that BOQ’s grossed-up dividend yield could be around 10% in FY28 and 10.4% in FY29.

    If those payouts do occur, then owners of BOQ shares could be in line for a lot of passive income in the next few years.

    Is Bank of Queensland stock a buy?

    The broker notes that management is focused on tilting the business towards commercial lending, with strong growth over the past 12 months, growing at 1.5x the speed of the overall loan system.

    UBS said that BOQ’s underlying cost growth is projected to be below inflation. On top of that, BOQ’s franchise network conversion into a corporate-owned proprietary channel which aims to streamline distribution and drive new business through its own channels.

    Currently, 60% of BOQ’s business flow is through broker channels, predominantly from ME Bank.

    However, deposit competition is increasing as system loan growth is stronger than expecting, which may be disadvantaging smaller banks.

    Digital growth remains a priority for the bank, with 44% of retail customers now using the digital banking platform.

    BOQ is proactively resizing its cost base and exiting loan costs, that are below the cost of equity which are on the balance sheet, to reset its economics.

    The broker said that the ASX bank share re-entering the mortgage market in FY26 and FY27 will be a “litmus test, especially around growth and pricing in proprietary distribution.”

    UBS currently has a sell rating on Bank of Queensland stock, though the price target of $6.75 implies a slight rise during 2026, at the time of writing. The bank is trading at 11x FY26’s estimated earnings.

    The post Is Bank of Queensland stock a buy for its 9% dividend yield? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bank of Queensland right now?

    Before you buy Bank of Queensland shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bank of Queensland wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has 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.

  • Hub24 shares jump 8% on record-breaking performance

    Happy man working on his laptop.

    Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) shares are rising on Tuesday after the wealth management platform delivered another record-breaking quarterly update.

    At the time of writing, the ASX 200 tech stock is up 8% to $106.71.

    What did Hub24 report?

    Before the market open, Hub24 revealed that its platform achieved record net inflows of $5.6 billion in the second quarter of FY 2026. This helped lift total funds under administration (FUA) to a new high of $152.3 billion at 31 December 2025.

    The standout metric from the update was quarterly platform net inflows of $5.6 billion, which were up 2% on the prior corresponding period or up 42% when excluding large migrations. This contributed to record half-year platform net inflows of $10.7 billion, representing a 13% year-on-year increase.

    As a result, platform FUA climbed 29% year on year to $127.9 billion, while Portfolio, Administration and Reporting Services (PARS) FUA increased 11% to $24.4 billion. Combined, total FUA rose 26% year on year, reinforcing HUB24’s position as one of the fastest-growing platforms in the Australian wealth market.

    According to the latest Plan for Life data, Hub24 ranked first for both quarterly and annual net inflows. This marks its eighth consecutive quarter in the top spot. Its market share now stands at 9.3% as at September 2025, up from 7.9% a year earlier.

    Adviser growth

    Hub24’s growth is being supported by increasing adviser adoption. During the quarter, it signed 34 new distribution agreements, while the number of advisers using the platform rose to 5,277. This is up 8% year on year.

    Management highlighted that demand from both new and existing licensees continues to provide a strong pipeline of opportunities, with momentum carrying through into the second half of FY 2026.

    Commenting on the half, the company said:

    Strong momentum in 1HFY26 reflects continued opportunities for growth driven by ongoing demand for professional advice in addition to industry transformation. HUB24 remains committed to investing to deliver our strategy to capitalise on these opportunities and further enhance our market leading proposition.

    Product innovation

    Beyond flows, investors appear encouraged by Hub24’s ongoing investment in product innovation.

    During the quarter, the ASX 200 tech stock announced the development of an Innovative Lifetime Retirement Solution (IRIS) in partnership with TAL, which is scheduled to launch in the second half of FY 2026. The solution is designed to provide income for life while retaining the flexibility of an account-based pension.

    It also showcased a prototype of myhub, which is an AI-enabled ecosystem aimed at improving productivity for advice practices. A pilot program is planned for the first half of FY 2027.

    The post Hub24 shares jump 8% on record-breaking performance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in HUB24 Limited right now?

    Before you buy HUB24 Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and HUB24 Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 1 Jan 2026

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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 positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.