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  • My manager and I got laid off, so we packed up our wetsuits and went to surf camp in Bali

    Kitson (left) and Lu (right) at a surf camp in Bali, Indonesia
    Kitson (left) and Lu (right) at a surf camp in Bali, Indonesia.

    Shubhangi Goel/Business Insider

    • Two former ANZ Bank coworkers shared how they took a surf camp trip to Bali after being laid off.
    • Both received generous severance packages and used the break to recharge after decades of working.
    • Their getaway helped them reset, and they see themselves taking similar trips again.

    This as-told-to essay is based on conversations with Heath Kitson and William Lu, who worked at ANZ Bank in the company's Melbourne office. The essay has been edited for length and clarity.

    Heath Kitson: I managed a team of data analysts, and I was at ANZ for seven years before I was laid off a couple of months ago.

    William Lu: I was at the bank for eleven years, and I reported to Heath.

    I've always said to people that it's been one of my dreams to be made redundant and enjoy some time off, but when it actually happens, it hits you hard. Part of me still thought that maybe I should just try to make an effort to find another role here. But then, toward the end of the consultation process, I had this overwhelming feeling, like Heath, that the change of strategy and direction meant that the exciting work we were doing was now over. It felt like a time to reset.

    Kitson: We both got generous payouts, and the layoff did not hit us financially, and won't for a while. But it's definitely been a change — ever since I started work 20 years ago, I haven't even been out of work for even two weeks.

    Tip: Don't try to job hunt all day

    Lu: I haven't dived into looking for other roles yet. I'm fairly confident in the networks I have and the people I know, so I'm sure I'll be able to find somewhere warmer to go.

    Kitson: Our outplacement service had a recruiter who had spent his career talking to executives in my position. He said that job hunting is a very deflating experience.

    His advice was not to try to job hunt for eight hours a day and really grind yourself down, only to arrive at an interview all flat and disillusioned. He suggested spending only two hours a day looking for work and using the rest of the time to do whatever would make me feel happy and refreshed. He said we should be signaling to future employers: 'I'm the freshest I've ever been, I can't wait to start, I'm back from a trip.'

    It reinforced to me that a break was not just part of the long service leave that was given to me, but also something that would help me get my next role. Even when I've changed jobs in the past, the companies have wanted me to start right away.

    Lu: My outplacement experience wasn't as profound. My guy started the motions and informed me about the services available to me and the workshops I should attend. I was the one to say: 'Hold on, I'm not ready to think about this yet. Can we reconvene in February?'

    The longest break I've had was when I went on my wedding and honeymoon, which lasted three weeks, so this period of paid leave was very welcome.

    Doing something active

    Kitson: When I started looking into how I wanted to spend my break, I knew I wanted to do something active. So I was thinking skiing, hiking, surfing, or those CrossFit camps. The goal was to find something that energizes me and to come back in better shape than when I left. I did not want to sit around drinking or being hungover for seven days and coming back more tired.

    Lu: Heath and I had never hung out outside work at this point, but we were on a call one day after we were let go, when Heath shared that he wanted to go somewhere but did not have someone to go with. I told him that my wife also suggested taking a trip, and I would be up to go with him. We were just exchanging ideas when a surf camp in Bali came up.

    For me, it was about experiencing something new as well. I've been surfing before, but to go seven days straight and have the opportunity to actually develop that skill properly, I think that was probably what got me over the line.

    Kitson and Lu's surf camp in Bali.
    Kitson and Lu's surf camp in Bali.

    Shubhangi Goel/Business Insider

    Traveling as ex-coworkers

    Kitson: I probably would've come on my own if we couldn't have worked something out together. But part of the appeal of this place was that we were coming to a community where we'd meet other people.

    Lu: It didn't take too much to convince me, but the thought did cross my mind if it was a really good idea to travel with my ex-boss. But we've always had a good relationship and a lot in common.

    Kitson: We just got back from our first session this morning, and I felt like I was not thinking about things back home and could focus on the waves. I've had a couple of sleepless nights over the past few weeks, but I think I'll sleep well tonight.

    Lu: I wasn't thinking about work either. When part of you is just slightly worried about drowning, I don't think you can really think about too much.

    The trip has been worth it

    Kitson: Our families were pretty happy to have us out of the house, since we'd gone pretty stir crazy. From friends and other coworkers, there was a little bit of friendly jealousy when they heard, and quite a few people wanted to come along. Lots of people asked us when we're doing the next one.

    Lu: It's only our first day here, but I definitely could come again. There was quite a bit of work leading up to it, like getting visas and SIM cards. But as soon as we got on the plane, I was completely relaxed.

    Kitson: I've thought already that if I get a job offer with a longer runway, I would go and do something similar again. I like that at surf camp, my day-to-day schedule is planned, and I can switch off about where to go and having to cook or go out to eat. It's different from a family beach vacation, which lacks this sense of freedom and rest because you're planning your own schedule and looking after the kids.

    Lu: It's the same for me, since it's usually me who does all the planning.

    Kitson: I'd suggest that anyone in a similar situation maintain their routines back home, but also try to take a short, refreshing break like this while waiting for things to happen on the job front.

    Are you based in Asia-Pacific and have a story to share about dealing with layoffs? Please reach out at sgoel@businessinsider.com

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Critical Role’s cofounders say they faced 3 big challenges making their new Prime Video series

    Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Tasha Huo, Liam O'Brien, Taliesin Jaffe, Matthew Mercer, Laura Bailey, Ashley Johnson, and Travis Willingham attend "The Mighty Nein" Season 1 Los Angeles Red Carpet Premiere at NYA WEST on November 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
    Critical Role's "Mighty Nein," based on the crew's second long-running Twitch-streamed "D&D" campaign, is out on Prime Video now.

    Anna Webber/Getty Images for Prime Video

    • Critical Role's "The Mighty Nein" animated series is out on Prime Video.
    • The eight co-founders of Critical Role spoke with Business Insider about what went into creating the show.
    • "The Mighty Nein" is the crew's second animated series project with Amazon.

    The eight cofounders of the nerdworld business Critical Role came roaring back to Prime Video with the November debut of "The Mighty Nein."

    The business's eight cofounders first started out streaming their home "Dungeons & Dragons" game on Twitch. Then, in 2019, CR raised seed funding of over $11.3 million to create the animated series "The Legend of Vox Machina."

    "The Mighty Nein," based on their second Twitch-streamed "D&D" campaign, is their second animated series on Prime Video.

    In an interview with Business Insider in November, the cofounders outlined some of the biggest challenges they faced — and the lessons they learned — making the show.

    1. Introducing the audience to a sprawling world

    "The largest challenge was trying to figure out how we were going to reorganize, and how we introduced the world," Critical Role CEO Travis Willingham said.

    Converting a 141-episode campaign into a show for Prime Video meant covering lots of on-stream ground, Willingham said. The team had to make a "massive shift" in how characters and plot points were introduced.

    "For us, the livestream campaign was so good at sort of feeding one little nugget at a time, and the world got bigger and bigger and bigger. We thought it was far more effective to just hit you with the larger pieces at play and let those things sort of inform the characters and the storylines as you go along," Willingham added.

    Willingham said these hints set the stage for more developments down the road.

    "We are going to sort of peel back the layers of that onion as we go along," Willingham said. "But we are certainly taking our time and saving things for season two as well. So we're not in a rush."

    Cofounder Sam Riegel told Business Insider that the crew's longtime game master, Matthew Mercer, had created an "incredible continent filled with politics and socioeconomic strife and war, and ruin, and religious exploration."

    "To show all of the antagonists, the villains, the political intrigue that's going on around our characters, we needed a whole other plot line to show what was going on in the background," Riegel said.

    2. Not giving too much of the backstories away

    Riegel added that another key challenge with the "Mighty Nein" was the complexity of some of the main characters' backstories.

    "We don't want to throw all those backstories in the audience's face right at the top, but we do want to tease out that they come with baggage and trauma and issues that they have to work through," Riegel said.

    "Luckily, we were afforded hourlong episodes in which to do so, and I think it paints a rich tapestry," Riegel said.

    Meanwhile, Mercer wove in information and plot points from the campaign that even Twitch viewers back in the day weren't aware of. That included more information on the series' key antagonists, the wizard Volstruckers, and the mysterious and enigmatic academic, Essek Thelyss, whom Mercer voices.

    "We had the opportunity to dig in with the writer's rooms and the rest of the creative team to collaborate on how best to see that now fleshed out and shown and explored with the audience through this animated series," Mercer said. "So there weren't too many changes. A lot of it was mainly just taking what was there or things that were sitting in my head and going, 'Alright, now we get to actually show this. That's really cool and exciting. Let's do it.'"

    3. Complex designs, intricate animation

    One of the big challenges the team had to overcome was articulating the intricate aspects of an in-game world through animation. And that spanned character costumes and memorable campaign locations.

    "When I sent Matt (Mercer) my idea of where Jester grew up and what the Lavish Chateau was, I had this strong visual in my mind," cofounder and cast member Laura Bailey said, referring to her character, the trickster cleric Jester.

    "And then to see it in the animated series, it's so strange that they can capture exactly what it was that we've visualized for so long, and now everybody else gets to see these stunning set pieces that have existed only in this little world," Bailey added.

    Cofounder Taliesin Jaffe said that he'd been "very, very specific" as well about how the carnival his character, Mollymauk Tealeaf, traveled with — should be animated.

    "I'm famous for making very easy-to-animate character designs — I say deeply sarcastically," Jaffe joked.

    The Critical Role team also had to look into how each character's magic was represented on-screen. For Liam O'Brien, it was crucial that his wizard, Caleb Widogast, cast magic in a manner that resembled a "learned science," complete with alchemy and specific components.

    The crew, O'Brien said, was also just happy to have the "luxury of time" to go back and revisit moments from their old "D&D" campaign.

    "I am in love with the complicated world that this show has created — and that Sam and Travis have helmed — as we've all, in an all-hands effort, just created everything with love," O'Brien said.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Westgold unveils spin-out of non-core Reedy and Comet gold assets

    Two cheerful miners shake hands while wearing hi-vis and hard hats celebrating the commencement of a HAstings Technology Metals mine and the impact on its share price

    The Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) share price is in focus after the company announced plans to spin out its non-core Reedy and Comet gold projects into a new standalone vehicle, Valiant Gold Limited, with an associated IPO in Q3 FY26. Key highlights include a proposed $65–$75 million Valiant IPO and Westgold’s retention of a significant equity stake in the new entity.

    What did Westgold Resources report?

    • Westgold to demerge its non-core Reedy and Comet gold projects into Valiant Gold, a new ASX-listed company
    • Valiant Gold to acquire projects hosting a combined Mineral Resource of 15.6 Mt @ 2.4 g/t Au for 1.2 Moz
    • IPO expected to raise $65–$75 million with a $20 million Priority Offer for eligible Westgold shareholders
    • Ore Purchase Agreement to be entered into between Valiant and Westgold, fast-tracking cash flow from mining
    • Westgold to retain 44%–48% stake in Valiant post-IPO, preserving exposure to exploration and production upside

    What else do investors need to know?

    The move will allow Westgold to sharpen its strategy by focusing capital and resources on expanding core, higher-grade operations in the Murchison and Southern Goldfields regions. The demerger is structured so Valiant will have immediate access to Westgold’s processing plants under a commercial Ore Purchase Agreement, providing a clear pathway for early production.

    Valiant’s establishment brings an experienced board and management team, including Westgold’s own Chief Growth Officer Simon Rigby as a non-executive director. The new company’s IPO is intended to foster accelerated drilling, mine restarts, and exploration across the demerged assets.

    What did Westgold Resources management say?

    Managing Director & CEO Wayne Bramwell said:

    Westgold is focused on expansion of our larger, core operating assets. By establishing Valiant, we create an independent, well-funded gold company that can bring forward value from smaller assets such as the Comet and South Emu-Triton underground mines and unlock the exploration potential across the Reedy and Comet packages. Valiant will have a fast-track to cashflow with an Ore Purchase Agreement (OPA) to be entered into with Westgold. This collaborative, capital efficient model is proven, as demonstrated by Westgold’s investment and OPA with New Murchison Gold (ASX: NMG). This model saw NMG transition from explorer to producer, with gold production from NMG’s Crown Prince deposit now delivering high grade oxide ore to Westgold’s Meekatharra processing hub. Valiant can replicate this success. With several small underground mines in care and maintenance, a range of open pit opportunities, and exploration upside, the Valiant team has multiple near-term restart and growth options to deliver near term cashflow.

    What’s next for Westgold Resources?

    The demerger and IPO are scheduled for completion by late March 2026, subject to regulatory conditions and ASX approval. Eligible Westgold shareholders will have access to a $20 million Priority Offer in the IPO. Westgold will continue to support Valiant by providing an unsecured, interest-free loan to kickstart project activities ahead of listing.

    Looking ahead, Westgold intends to sharpen its focus on growth in Western Australia’s prolific gold regions, while benefiting from any upside Valiant delivers through its equity stake and Ore Purchase Agreement.

    Westgold Resources share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Westgold Resources shares have risen 103%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 5% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

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

    Before you buy Westgold Resources 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 Westgold Resources 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…

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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.

  • Key Canadian approval sends 10-bagger biotech’s shares higher

    Doctor checking patient's spine x-ray image.

    4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) has secured Canadian approval for its world-first imaging technology, sending its shares more than 7% higher on Monday.

    The company said in a statement to the ASX on Monday morning that it had received approval for CT:VQ, “the world’s first and only, non-contrast, CT-based ventilation-perfusion imaging solution”.

    The company went on to say:

    This approval marks a significant expansion of 4DMedical’s presence in North America, enabling immediate commercial development of CT:VQ across Canada through the company’s strategic partnership with Philips.

    Major market to open up 

    4DMedical said Health Canada has granted regulatory approval for CT:VQ as a class 2 medical device.

    The company added:

    Canada represents a substantial market opportunity for CT:VQ. With a population exceeding 40 million and GDP of over US2.1 trillion (ranked 10th globally), Canada’s healthcare system includes approximately 560 CT scanners, predominantly hospital-based (94%). The Canadian market performs over 6.4 million CT examinations annually, with 12.7% related to respiratory imaging, representing over 800,000 potential CT:VQ procedures per annum.

    4DMedical said about 70% of Canada’s population lived near the US border, which was beneficial as it placed them with easy reach of its own and Philips‘ US-based commercial teams, “enabling efficient market penetration and support”.

    The Canadian approval directly complements 4DMedical’s strategic partnership with Philips, announced on 3 December 2025, which includes distribution rights for CT:VQ across both the United States and Canada. Under that agreement, Philips has committed to deploy dedicated sales and clinical specialists carrying North American CT:VQ sales targets. With regulatory approval now secured in both markets, Philips can immediately activate its North American distribution infrastructure for CT:VQ, leveraging its established commercial networks and customer relationships to drive rapid adoption across hospitals and imaging centres.

    Filling an unmet need

    The CT:VQ technology measures lung tissue motion and density changes, “to generate comprehensive ventilation and perfusion maps without requiring radiotracers or contrast agents”.

    The company explained further:

    CT:VQ addresses several critical limitations of traditional nuclear VQ imaging. By eliminating radiotracers, the technology streamlines scheduling, improves patient access, and removes complex handling requirements and regulatory constraints. CT:VQ integrates seamlessly with existing CT protocols, requiring no additional infrastructure or specialised equipment, while delivering superior image resolution and precise quantification from a routine CT scan.

    4DX was valued at $1.14 billion at the close of trade on Friday. The company’s shares traded as high as $2.38 early on Monday before settling back to be 4.5% higher at $2.32.

    4DX shares have increased about 10-fold from their lows of 22.5 cents in the past year.

    The post Key Canadian approval sends 10-bagger biotech’s shares higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in 4DMedical Limited right now?

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    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and 4DMedical 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…

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    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.

  • IperionX secures US Navy deal with Carver Pump order

    A senior couple discusses a share trade they are making on a laptop computer

    The IperionX Ltd (ASX: IPX) share price is in focus today after the company announced a new project with Carver Pump to accelerate the production of critical titanium components for U.S. Navy ships. The initial purchase order includes prototype pump impellers valued at about US$100,000, with manufacturing scheduled to finish in May 2026.

    What did IperionX report?

    • Secured an initial purchase order from Carver Pump for four prototype titanium impellers
    • Order value is approximately US$100,000
    • Production of components to be completed by May 2026
    • Titanium metal powder supplied from IperionX’s Virginia facility
    • Components aim to replace traditional cast parts, reducing lead times from over 12 months to less than a week

    What else do investors need to know?

    The announcement marks a transition from project planning to prototyping under IperionX’s collaboration with Carver Pump. IperionX’s in-house manufacturing and titanium powder production recently reached steady-state at its Virginia facility, allowing the fast development of new components.

    Titanium is a vital material for naval ships due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and durability in harsh marine environments. Current supply chain delays for cast titanium parts often cause bottlenecks in U.S. Navy shipbuilding, but IperionX’s process aims to significantly speed up production.

    What did IperionX management say?

    IperionX CEO Anastasios (Taso) Arima said:

    Partnering with Carver Pump underscores how IperionX’s advanced titanium technologies can help resolve the most pressing supply chain challenges facing the U.S. defense industrial base, including for titanium casting and forging replacements. Transitioning from lead times measured in years to timelines measured in days allows us to better support on-time naval shipbuilding and sustainment, directly enhancing fleet readiness. We look forward to validating this capability in the prototyping phase and to advance towards scalable, enduring production programs with Carver Pump and the U.S. Navy.

    What’s next for IperionX?

    If the prototype manufacturing and testing phase is successful, the project could lead to larger scale supply agreements with Carver Pump and the U.S. Navy. IperionX aims to leverage its patented low-cost titanium powder and manufacturing process to secure more long-term opportunities in the defence sector.

    The company remains focused on advancing its Titan mineral project and ramping up capabilities at its U.S. facilities to support growing demand from critical national industries.

    IperionX share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, IperionX shares have risen 20%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 5% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

     

     

    The post IperionX secures US Navy deal with Carver Pump order appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy IperionX 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 IperionX 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…

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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.

  • Why is everyone talking about Fortescue shares today?

    Businessman looks with one eye through magnifying glass

    Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares are outperforming on Monday.

    At the time of writing, the mining giant’s shares are up slightly to $23.01.

    This compares to a 0.5% decline by the ASX 200 index.

    What’s going on with Fortescue shares today?

    Investors have been buying the miner’s shares after it made a big announcement relating to its copper ambitions.

    According to the release, Fortescue has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Alta Copper Corp (TSX: ATCU).

    The company revealed that it has agreed to acquire the remaining 64% of Alta Copper’s issued and outstanding common shares that it does not already own through a Canadian Plan of Arrangement.

    Alta Copper shareholders will receive cash consideration of C$1.40 per share, which represents a significant premium of 50% to the 30-day volume weighted average price (VWAP). It implies a total equity value for Alta Copper of C$139 million (A$152 million).

    Fortescue notes that the directors of Alta Copper who are entitled to vote have unanimously recommended to shareholders that they vote in favour of the transaction.

    In addition, the directors and officers of Alta Copper and other shareholders who hold in aggregate 12.5% of the shares on issue have entered into voting support agreements committing to vote in favour of the transaction.

    The transaction is also subject to the approval by the British Columbia Supreme Court and the satisfaction of other closing conditions which are customary for a transaction of this nature. If everything goes to plan, the transaction is targeted to close in the March quarter of 2026.

    What is Alta Copper?

    Alta Copper owns 100% of the Cañariaco Copper Project in Northern Peru, which is within an emerging porphyry corridor that hosts several large exploration and development opportunities.

    The Cañariaco Project comprises 91 square kilometres of highly prospective tenure and includes the Cañariaco Norte deposit, the Cañariaco Sur deposit, and the Quebrada Verde prospect.

    Fortescue highlights that he Cañariaco Project has a reported mineral resource of 1.1 billion tonnes at 0.42% copper equivalent grade and 0.9 billion tonnes at 0.29% copper equivalent grade.

    Commenting on the proposed deal, management said:

    The Transaction is consistent with Fortescue’s critical minerals strategy which has a focus on expanding the Company’s copper portfolio and related exploration footprint. Fortescue is well placed to advance the Cañariaco Project relying on its presence in Latin America since 2018 and its well established technical, permitting and community engagement expertise. Following completion of the Transaction, Fortescue will apply its proven approach of working collaboratively with local and indigenous communities to ensure the responsible, long-term development of the Cañariaco Project.

    The post Why is everyone talking about Fortescue shares today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Fortescue Metals 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 Fortescue Metals 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…

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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.

  • Counter drone company surges past $1 billion valuation with new contract win

    A silhouette of a soldier flying a drone at sunset.

    Shares in Electro Optic Systems Ltd (ASX: EOS) jumped more than 18% on Monday after the company said it had signed a contract to supply a high energy laser weapon to a South Korean customer.

    The company said in a statement to the ASX that it had signed a binding conditional contract worth about $120 million to manufacture and supply a 100kW “high energy laser weapon” to a company in the Republic of Korea.

    It would also establish a joint venture between itself and the customer to supply the weapons within South Korea, and would license the intellectual property around the weapon to the new joint venture company.

    The product will be manufactured at the company’s new laser weapon manufacturing facility in Singapore, the company said.

    Milestone payments to come

    While the total amount payable was US$80 million, the company would also receive an initial deposit under the agreement.

    The company went on to say:

    The conditions of the contract include the payment by the customer of the initial deposit (US$18 million), the customer procuring the issuance of a letter of credit for the remaining amount of the contract, and the customer inspecting and being satisfied with EOS’ Singapore facility. The customer expects these to be completed prior to 31 January 2026.

    The contract was also subject to customary terms, including milestone payments and full refund entitlements in the event of non-performance, EOS said.

    EOS said it expected that the contract would be fulfilled by the end of 2027.

    Contract follows year of testing

    The company said the laser weapon was part of its technology suite, which included “using kinetic weapons, interceptors, rockets and high energy laser weapons to defeat drones”.

    The EOS laser weapon development program included three years of field testing and numerous firing trials of the laser in close collaboration with customers. To ensure high performance, it is supplied with algorithms, radar, threat detection, target acquisition and beam locking systems. This conditional contract represents EOS’ second export order for a 100kW class laser defence system and follows a first export order to a Western European customer, announced on 5 August 2025.

    The company said it would also be holding a webinar on Tuesday, 16 December, during which Managing Director Dr Anreas Schwer would discuss the new contract.

    Electro Optic Systems was valued at $966.7 million at the close of trade on Friday.

    The company shares traded as high as $5.96, up 18.9% on Monday morning before settling back to be 15.5% higher at $5.79.

    Bell Potter has a buy rating and $8.10 price target on its shares. 

    The post Counter drone company surges past $1 billion valuation with new contract win appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems 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 Electro Optic Systems 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…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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

  • This ASX gold stock is falling despite some big news

    A young man stands facing the camera and scratching his head with the other hand held upwards wondering if he should buy Whitehaven Coal shares

    Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG) shares are rising on Monday morning.

    In morning trade, the ASX gold stock is down 2% to $1.08.

    Why is this ASX gold stock falling?

    Investors have been selling the gold miner’s shares following the release of a major update on the Doropo Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire.

    According to the release, an updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) confirms a significantly larger, longer-life, and more valuable project than previously outlined.

    The updated DFS expands the Doropo project’s scale materially, increasing ore reserves by approximately 55% and the expected mine life from 10 years to 13 years. Average annual gold production is now forecast at around 170,000 ounces per year, with total life-of-mine production of approximately 2.2 million ounces

    The updated study also points to stronger financial outcomes. At a conservative gold price assumption of US$3,000 per ounce, the project is expected to generate a post-tax net present value (NPV) of US$1.46 billion and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 49%.

    Importantly, the first five years are expected to be particularly strong, with average annual production of roughly 204,000 ounces and a projected payback period of less than two years

    At current gold prices, which are well above the DFS base case, the economics improve further. The ASX gold stock notes that at a gold price of around US$4,200 per ounce, the project’s post-tax NPV could rise to approximately US$2.8 billion, with the IRR lifting to around 77% and a payback period of close to one year.

    One negative, though, which could be weighing on its share price today is that upfront capital costs have increased to US$516 million. This is due to the larger project scope and updated cost assumptions.

    What else?

    Resolute also reaffirmed its broader growth ambitions, highlighting that Doropo strengthens its pathway toward becoming a diversified African gold producer targeting annual output of more than 500,000 ounces from 2028.

    With permitting expected in early 2026 and construction targeted to begin in the first half of next year, the updated DFS as a meaningful step forward for Resolute and its long-term growth strategy.

    The ASX gold stock’s managing director and CEO, Chris Eger, commented:

    This update confirms the outstanding economics of the Doropo Gold Project which is poised to become another high-quality gold mine in West Africa. Doropo is a high-margin, long-life gold mine that will significantly strengthen Resolute’s operating portfolio, increasing group production to over 500koz per annum from 2028 and adding another jurisdiction to our production profile.

    Doropo will produce approximately 170koz per annum for over 13 years at a competitive average AISC of US$1,406/oz, delivering a post-tax NPV5% of US$1.46bn and IRR of 49%. The average annual gold production of over 200koz in the first five years means the updated construction capital cost of US$516M will be paid back in under two years at a US$3,000/oz gold price.

    The post This ASX gold stock is falling despite some big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Resolute Mining 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 Resolute Mining 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…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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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.

  • How the world’s largest truck stop makes 350,000 meals a year

    Iowa 80 is dubbed the Disney World for truckers.

    Sitting along I-80, it lies on a crucial corridor for drivers transporting food from the heartland to the coasts. Iowa 80 Truckstop boasts 900 parking spots, a barber shop, and a restaurant that has served over 23 million eggs since opening.

    But despite being the world's largest, one family still owns Iowa 80. Mom-and-pop truck stops like this one are becoming rare in America, as big chains turn them into travel centers for cars.

    We head to one of Iowa's oldest truck stops and one its biggest to understand why these rest stops are vital for the people who spend their lives behind the wheel.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • My tween kept asking to chat with her friends online. Now, in Australia, I can just say, ‘it’s against the law.’

    Australian dad on a boat.
    Leon Spencer, an Australian dad, is glad that the Australian government's new ban will help him keep his kids off social media.

    Provided by Leon Spencer

    • Leon Spencer is an Australian dad with an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son.
    • He creates content for social-media platforms and is glad that the new ban will help him keep his kids off them.
    • He believes real-world engagement is an essential part of growing up.

    The number of times my 11-year-old daughter has asked to join Messenger Kids has jumped noticeably this year.

    I've always believed I had good grounds to refuse, but to her, it's just a way to chat with friends. What's the harm? I've tried explaining how one app can lead to others, and how dependence on digital platforms can form quickly at her age.

    Now, with Australia's new ban on certain social media platforms for kids under 16, I can point to something more concrete: It's against the law.

    It can help parents say no

    Here's the thing, though: the Messenger Kids platform isn't actually banned under the new legislation. Not yet anyway, even if its older sibling, Facebook, is. But the social media ban provides parents like me with a new reference point that normalizes our decision to say no.

    I'm not a Luddite. As an editorial lead for a media and communications agency in Australia, I work with content designed for social media platforms. Technology is key to what I do, and I understand the value of it, including social media platforms.

    But we all know these apps are designed to be addictive and to keep users — including children — scrolling. Research increasingly shows links to declining mental health and even potential effects on brain development.

    I was concerned that the peer pressure to allow my children to join social media could make the decision to say no much harder than it ought to be. I'm hoping the ban will make it easier.

    I want my kids to hang out with friends in real life

    I have two kids, 11 and 8. I don't want them to get into the habit of using social media platforms to interact with friends. I want them meeting friends in person or calling them, not becoming products for advertisers.

    My children sometimes use my WhatsApp account for video calls with friends and family. Occasionally, they'll watch an Instagram reel with Mum on her phone. But I think it's important for most of their peer group interaction to occur at playdates, at school, or around the local neighborhood.

    I live on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, a part of Australia that lends itself to a rich outdoor lifestyle, year-round. It's easy for me to let my kids walk down the street to the park or visit friends nearby without constant adult supervision.

    Boy fishing in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
    Spencer and his family live on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, and he encourages his kids to interact outdoors.

    Provided by Leon Spencer

    Among the other parents I speak with, the ban is a welcome shift in our relationship with social media platforms.

    Taking social media out of the equation completely also means less overall screen time. I'm good with this. Less screen time means less passive consumption and more active play. Yes, my kids get bored. But wait a little while, and they always find interesting things to do.

    Recently, after complaining for the better part of an hour about having to turn off the TV, my kids took themselves off and created a play. They wrote a script, rehearsed the lines, dressed in costumes, and performed.

    It wouldn't have happened if the screen had stayed on.

    Read the original article on Business Insider