Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are pushing higher on Tuesday after the company announced another major operational milestone.

In early trade, the Core Lithium share price is up 5.88% to 27 cents.

The gain comes after the lithium miner confirmed that open pit mining at its Grants deposit will begin immediately, marking the first stage of the Finniss Lithium Project restart.

Core Lithium remains one of the ASX’s strongest recovery stories, with its share price still up 347% over the past 12 months.

The positive move suggests investors are continuing to back the Finniss restart timeline as the company shifts from planning into execution.

Mining restart moves from plan to execution

According to the release, Core Lithium has awarded the surface mining contract for the Grants open pit to NRW Pty Ltd.

Mobilisation is set to begin immediately.

The contract covers all key mining activities required to deliver ore to the Grants run-of-mine pad.

Management said this is a key first step in the restart of mining operations at Finniss following last month’s final investment decision (FID).

The company expects the optimised Grants pit design to provide access to about 784kt of ore, which is forecast to produce roughly 134kt of SC6 spodumene concentrate over a short timeframe.

Ore from Grants is scheduled to be processed and hauled during the September quarter. First spodumene concentrate shipments are targeted for early in the December quarter.

This near-term production profile may be appealing to investors because it gives Core Lithium a pathway back to revenue using existing infrastructure and relatively low upfront capital.

Why the market is backing the Finniss restart

While the update supports the Finniss restart, today’s share price gain suggests investors are responding positively to the move into active mining works.

The company approved the Finniss restart less than 3 weeks ago. That decision followed a funding package of more than $300 million across debt, equity, and strategic support.

With funding secured, investors now turn to whether Core Lithium can meet production and shipment targets through the second-half of 2026.

Execution remains the next key focus, with mobilisation, processing readiness, and lithium pricing all likely to influence whether the rally can continue.

Foolish takeaway

Today’s announcement moves Core Lithium another step closer to turning its Finniss restart strategy into cash flow.

After a 347% gain over the past year, today’s rise suggests investors remain confident in the company’s near-term production pathway.

The next major catalyst is likely to be first ore movement and confirmation that September quarter processing remains on schedule.

The post Why this ASX lithium stock is charging higher after a major breakthrough appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 mining shares rebound after March sell-off creates opportunities
• Why A2 Milk, BWP, Core Lithium, and Newmont shares are sinking today
• Core Lithium shares tumble after $120m capital raising for Finniss restart
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• Why this ASX lithium stock requested a trading halt today

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 ASX dividend stock Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) has suffered a sizeable sell-off. Since 18 February 2026, it’s down 18% (at the time of writing). It has also fallen 22% from August 2025, as the chart below shows.

It’s rare for the ASX blue-chip share to fall more than 20% from a peak to trough.

Of course, the market pessimism makes sense right now – the Middle East is still a volatile situation, fuel prices have soared, inflation in some categories have jumped and the prospect of rising interest rates has significantly increased.

For a number of reasons, I think this is an appealing time to look at the owner of Bunnings, Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline and WesCEF (chemicals, energy and fertiliser).

ASX dividend stock credentials

One of the main things I like to see when it comes to a compelling passive income idea is growing payouts. Inflation is a negative for the value of a dollar, so I want to see growth over time to offset that effect.

Plus, I’d like to feel wealthier over time, so payouts that rise will help more money hit my bank account.

Wesfarmers has delivered regular dividend growth for investors over the last several years. Its payout has grown each year since 2020 after it split off the Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) business.

In the FY26 half-year result, Wesfarmers’ board of directors hiked the interim dividend by 7.4% to $1.02 per share. That was comfortably above the rate of inflation, highlighting the strength of the company’s ability to grow its dividend (alongside net profit growth).

One of Wesfarmers’ stated goals is to increase its dividend for shareholders over time, alongside earnings growth.

According to the forecast on Commsec, the business is projected to pay an annual dividend per share of $2.16. That translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 4.2%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

Great time to invest

This is close to the best price that Australians can buy Wesfarmers shares in 2026, and also since mid-April 2025.

The lower the share price, the better the dividend yield and the lower the price/earnings (P/E) ratio.

This ASX dividend stock operates both Kmart Group and Bunnings Group, which both aim to provide consumers with great product prices. At times when households are feeling a financial pinch, this could see both businesses experience stronger demand and capture market share – that’s what happened a few years ago and it could happen again.

Additionally, the WesCEF business could see increased earnings during this period if commodity prices stay elevated for an extended period.

So, not only is the Wesfarmers share price lower, but there’s a good chance that the ASX dividend stock’s profit couldgrow during this period.

At the current valuation and using the current forecast on Commsec, the Wesfarmers share price is valued at less than 27x FY27’s estimated earnings. I think it’s a good valuation to be greedy in buying shares of this business.

The post 1 ASX dividend stock down 22% I’d buy right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?
• 3 quality ASX shares to buy for a beginner investor
• 3 ASX defensive shares to buy in uncertain markets
• 3 reasons to buy Wesfarmers shares today
• How are these 5 ASX share giants really tracking in 2026?

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

Shares in NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) are trading higher after the company announced it would raise $1 billion from the issue of new hybrid securities.

The capital raise is also underwritten, with Québec, Canada-based investment group La Caisse putting forward a binding commitment for the whole amount if other investors do not take it up.

Capital to drive growth

The companysaid in a statement to the ASX the hybrid securities, “will provide NextDC with flexible, long-term capital to support the company’s growth funding requirements and strategic initiatives, including the continued development of key data centre assets and the advancement of future capacity expansions”.

NextDC went on to say:

The hybrid securities will have a non-call period of five years and a maturity of 100 years. They are expected to be tax deductible and classified as debt for accounting purposes, and will sit outside the company’s senior debt covenants. This funding is expected to enhance the company’s financial flexibility, including through a lower cash coupon during the first five years, small coupon step-ups until year 10 and the ability to defer coupons at the company’s election.

The are no equity conversion features associated with the hybrid securities, which rank junior to the company’s existing debt.

NextDC will now offer the securities to other institutional investors with the closing date for acceptance expected to be on or about April 23.

Further raise potential

The company will have liquidity of about $5.2 billion once the new securities are issued.

NextDC said it also intended to undertake a subordinated notes issue in the Australian wholesale debt market to raise further funds, as flagged during the release of its first half results.

NextDC managing director Craig Scroggie said regarding the new capital raise:

The announcement of the hybrid securities offer and the La Caisse commitment represent another step toward NEXTDC delivering on a material step-change in the scale of our business as we deliver on the company’s contracted forward order book across the period to FY29 and make further investments across the portfolio of new projects. We are delighted with this binding commitment from La Caisse, a long‑term investor with deep experience in infrastructure, as further validation of our growth strategy.

La Caisse executive vice president Emmanuel Jaclot said:

This commitment will help underpin NextDC’s construction program, supporting growing demand for digital infrastructure in Australia and adding to La Caisse’s long track record in partnering with high-quality infrastructure operators through their growth phase. We see this as a promising first step toward a long-term partnership between La Caisse and NextDC.

NextDC shares were 5.9% higher in early trade at $11.93. The company was valued at $7.2 billion at the close of trade on Thursday.

The post Why are NextDC shares surging higher? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing
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• Where to invest $3,000 in ASX growth shares in April

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has positions in Nextdc. 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.

I’m purposefully building my portfolio with a focus on growing ASX dividend shares, and there are a few in which I have a significant position.

The two I’m going to highlight are ones I have a double-digit allocation to (in percentage terms).

I expect the second ASX dividend share, if not both, will remain as large holdings for decades to come.

MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF)

This business is best known as a listed investment company (LIC) – I have liked this business and written about it for almost a decade. There’s still a lot to like for dividend investors.

Firstly, it provides exposure to high-quality businesses from across the world, which should mean it can benefit from long-term compounding of earnings. MFF wants to invest in a portfolio of competitively advantaged businesses while avoiding permanent capital loss.

The investment returns have allowed the business to deliver impressive capital growth. Over the past five years, the MFF share price has risen by around 70%, excluding dividends. The total shareholder return (TSR) has been an average of 14.9% per year over the past five years.

One of its other main goals is to grow the dividend.

The ASX dividend share has increased its annual regular dividend each year over the past several years. It’s expecting to increase its annual payout to 21 cents per share in FY26. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the payout rise to at least 23 cents in FY27.

But the guided FY26 payout translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.5%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

I expect to buy more of this ASX dividend share in the coming weeks, particularly if it stays at around the current valuation.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL)

Soul Patts is the largest position in my portfolio, and I’m planning to buy more if the share price dips.

The investment conglomerate has proven itself yet again during the last month as a leading business for stability. Since the end of February 2026, the Soul Patts share price has risen by 7%, compared to a fall of more than 6% by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

I think one of the key reasons for this performance has been its large stake in ASX energy share New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX: NHC), which has risen more than 20% since the end of February 2026.

But the ASX dividend share is invested in a variety of other defensive industries, including swimming schools, telecommunications, agriculture, water entitlements, and industrial properties.

Together, its portfolio can provide resilient cash flow, enabling the business to generate stable profit and pay a consistent (and growing) dividend.

It’s impressive to think that the business has increased its regular annual dividend per share every year for 28 years in a row. The company has also paid a dividend each year since it listed more than 120 years ago.

I think the business is on course for a very compelling future as its portfolio continues to evolve and find greater investment opportunities. At the time of writing, it has a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.7%, including franking credits.

The post 2 ASX dividend shares I’m betting on big-time to fund my retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Mff Capital Investments and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Mff Capital Investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Kelsian Group Ltd (ASX: KLS) shares are back in the red on Tuesday as the market reopens after the Easter long weekend.

In morning trade, the Kelsian share price is down 0.79% to $3.76, extending its one-month decline to more than 17%.

The move comes after the company released a market update on Thursday afternoon, giving investors their first real chance to react today.

While the release supports Kelsian’s longer-term growth plans, the market appears more focused on what it means for the near-term returns.

That may help explain why the stock is losing ground despite the company continuing to build momentum in one of its key offshore markets.

A new long-term contract adds to the pipeline

The update relates to Kelsian’s UK subsidiary, Huyton Travel, which has secured a new public transport contract in Liverpool under the region’s bus franchising rollout.

The deal covers the operation and maintenance of 73 buses from two leased depots, with services scheduled to begin in January 2027.

The initial term runs for 5 years and includes a 2-year extension option.

Across the full term, management expects the agreement to generate approximately $80 million in revenue.

The win strengthens Kelsian’s position in the UK as more city regions move toward franchised bus networks.

Liverpool’s second tranche is expected later in 2026 and could involve around 500 vehicles.

Execution on this first contract could help its chances when the larger Liverpool tender process resumes later this year.

The market may be looking at the cash outlay

Despite the long-term appeal, the more immediate focus may be on the capital required before revenue starts flowing.

Management said the contract will require about $8 million in new capital expenditure, with roughly $2.4 million scheduled for FY26 and the remainder in FY27.

Because services are not expected to begin until January 2027, the earnings benefit is still some way off.

That delayed earnings contribution may be behind today’s weaker share price reaction. The stock is still up more than 40% over the past 12 months and traded as high as $5.22 within the past year.

At the current share price, Kelsian’s market capitalisation is sitting around $1.03 billion, with 271 million share on issue.

Even after today’s pullback, the shares remain well above their 52-week low of $2.61, highlighting the scale of the past year’s recovery.

The next major catalyst could come later this year if Kelsian can turn this initial Liverpool win into further contract success.

The post This ASX stock just won an $80 million contract. So why are shares falling today? 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 Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CCM) share price is in focus after the company delivered strong gold production for Q3 FY26, producing 30,358 ounces and maintaining its run rate for the Karlawinda Gold Project.

What did Capricorn Metals report?

• Gold production at Karlawinda reached 30,358 ounces for the March 2026 quarter, bringing year-to-date production to 93,152 ounces.
• On track to hit the upper end of FY26 guidance of 115,000–125,000 ounces at an AISC of $1,530–$1,630 per ounce.
• Recovery rates for the quarter were 91.0%, slightly up on previous quarters.
• Cash and gold on hand increased to $507.6 million, compared to $457.4 million at the end of December 2025.
• Quarterly capital expenditure totalled $50.0 million, with $47.3 million at Karlawinda Expansion Project and $2.7 million at Mt Gibson Gold Project.

What else do investors need to know?

Development at the Karlawinda Expansion Project (KEP) is progressing well, with over 90% of plant site concrete works finished and key infrastructure pieces like the ball mill delivered ahead of schedule. Mining activities are meeting both gold production targets and requirements for expansion, with first ore delivered to ROM 2 during the quarter.

Capricorn’s strategy includes early capital spend at Mt Gibson Gold Project (MGGP), positioning the company for an accelerated construction start once permits are in place. The company is actively managing industry-wide risks, such as diesel supply, though it is not currently affected.

What’s next for Capricorn Metals?

Capricorn expects to reach the upper end of its gold production guidance for FY26 as sustained run rates continue. Full operational and cost figures will be released in the Quarterly Report later in April 2026.

Both the Karlawinda and Mt Gibson projects remain a key focus, with further construction and development milestones expected over the coming quarters. Studies, permitting, and tendering processes are underway to ready these projects for future production growth.

Capricorn Metals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Metals shares have risen 35%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 19% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Capricorn Metals delivers solid Q3 FY26 gold production and growth update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Summerset Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SNZ) share price is in focus today after the NZX and ASX-listed retirement village operator reported first-quarter sales of occupation rights up 26% year-on-year, with new sales jumping 34% and resales rising 19%.

What did Summerset Group report?

• Total Q1 sales of occupation rights: 365 (177 new sales, 188 resales)
• New sales up 34% over Q1 2025; resales up 19%
• Strong sales pipeline heading into Q2
• First quarter village centre openings at Cambridge and Waikanae
• On track to deliver 650–700 new homes in New Zealand and 100–150 in Australia during 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Summerset continues to see robust demand across its portfolio of 40 established and developing villages in New Zealand, with more expansion in Australia on the horizon—including new buildings set to open soon at Mt Denby (Whangarei) and Cranbourne North (Victoria). Despite the usual seasonal softness during January and February, Summerset reported its highest ever March for customer enquiry.

Recent rises in fuel prices, triggered by Middle East conflict, have not yet shown any adverse impact on the company’s sales demand or contract settlements. Summerset is proactively monitoring conditions and reports stable construction costs for now, supported by its strong procurement programme.

What’s next for Summerset Group?

Summerset plans to open two more village centre buildings in Q2 and remains confident in delivering its build target for the year—adding up to 850 new homes across New Zealand and Australia. The company has flagged that it will continue to monitor geopolitical developments and fuel price movements, maintaining operational flexibility.

A strong balance sheet and banking support provide Summerset with headroom to adapt to further market volatility. Management will update investors if demand or settlements change meaningfully.

Summerset Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Summerset Group shares have declined 26%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Summerset Group Q1 2026 sales rise on robust demand appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Mesoblast shares: Ryoncil® underpins strong earnings growth
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• Ramelius Resources confirms guidance, strong March quarter gold output
• Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger
• Guzman y Gomez posts 20% Q3 FY26 sales growth

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.

It’s been a tough ride for investors in this ASX fast food stock.

Guzman y Gomez Ltd (ASX: GYG) shares are now hovering near 52-week lows, down a hefty 52% over the past year at the time of writing. That’s a sharp reversal for a company that debuted with serious hype.

In fact, even IPO investors are now underwater.

Shares were issued at $22 in the June 2024 listing and surged 36.4% on day one to close at $30. Momentum continued, with the ASX stock climbing to $43.35 by December 2024.

Since then? It’s been largely downhill.

So, what’s gone wrong and could this be a buying opportunity?

Clean ingredients, fast service

Let’s start with the strengths.

Guzman y Gomez has built a strong brand in the fast-casual dining space, focusing on fresh, high-quality Mexican-inspired food. Its emphasis on clean ingredients and fast service has resonated with customers, particularly in Australia and expanding international markets.

Growth remains a key attraction for the $1.5 billion ASX stock.

The company continues to roll out new stores and scale its network, which could drive revenue higher over time. If execution is strong, store expansion alone could underpin long-term earnings growth.

Rising labour costs, food inflation

But there are real risks investors can’t ignore.

Profitability is a big one. Like many fast-growing restaurant chains, Guzman y Gomez is still balancing expansion with margins. Rising labour costs, food inflation, and operational expenses can eat into profits, especially in a competitive industry.

There’s also execution risk. Rapid expansion sounds great in theory, but if new stores underperform or costs blow out, returns can disappoint quickly. That’s likely one reason the market has cooled on the ASX stock after its early surge.

And let’s not forget sentiment.

High-growth consumer stocks can fall hard when expectations reset and that’s exactly what we’ve seen here.

So, what do the experts think?

According to TradingView data, sentiment is mixed but improving. Out of 13 analysts, seven rate the ASX stock as a buy or strong buy, five have hold ratings, and one has a strong sell.

The average price target sits at $22.67, implying potential upside of around 49% from current levels.

And the bulls are even more optimistic. Some forecasts suggest the stock could climb as high as $31 over the next 12 months. That points to a potential gain of 104%.

Morgans is one broker to back the recovery story. It has a buy rating and a $24 price target on the shares.

Foolish Takeaway

Guzman y Gomez has been hammered, but the growth story isn’t dead.

If the company can execute on expansion while improving profitability, this ASX fast food stock could be staging a comeback.

For investors willing to take on some risk, this could be a classic high-risk, high-reward setup.

The post Down 52%, is this ASX fast food stock a screaming buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS) share price is in focus after the company delivered 38,093 ounces of gold during the March quarter and confirmed its FY26 production guidance remains on track.

What did Ramelius Resources report?

• Gold production of 38,093 ounces in the March 2026 quarter (FY26 YTD: 138,716 ounces)
• FY26 production guidance maintained at 185,000–205,000 ounces
• Underlying free cash flow of A$101.9 million before specific adjustments
• Cash and gold balance of A$606.5 million as at 31 March 2026
• Executed share buy-backs totalling A$110.2 million this quarter
• Fully franked interim dividend of A$0.03 per share declared

What else do investors need to know?

Ramelius delivered its first Never Never ore to the Mt Magnet processing plant ahead of schedule, with the first stope fired at higher-than-expected grades. The company noted rainfall and road closures affected March production, leaving high-grade stockpiles ready for processing, setting the stage for a strong June quarter.

Ongoing expansion works continue at the Mt Magnet plant, and the company has made progress with its EPA referral for the Rebecca-Roe Project. Exploration drilling remains a focus, especially at Dalgaranga with an update expected later in April.

What’s next for Ramelius Resources?

Management says Ramelius is well set for a strong June quarter with high-grade stockpiles and contributions from new ore sources. The company is releasing a full quarterly activities report later this month and will provide updates on costs, especially with diesel prices trending higher.

Exploration remains a priority, with fresh results due from Dalgaranga. Ramelius will also update the market on progress at Mt Magnet and its long-term growth projects as 2026 unfolds.

Ramelius Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ramelius Resources shares have risen 60%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

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The post Ramelius Resources confirms guidance, strong March quarter gold output appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) share price is in focus today as BOQ announced a strategic $3.7 billion equipment finance loan sale to Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF), plus a new 12-month forward flow agreement expected to boost the bank’s capital flexibility.

What did Bank of Queensland report?

• $3.7 billion sale of equipment finance loans, reducing debt funding by approx. $3.4 billion
• Anticipated $300 million capital return to shareholders post-sale, pending approvals
• Estimated $31 million post-tax statutory loss in 1H26, with sale impacts adjusted from cash earnings
• Group CET1 ratio expected to remain within 10.25%–10.75% target range
• Non-interest income to increase via servicing and origination fees under new arrangements
• Expected to be ROE and EPS accretive in FY26 (uplift to cash ROE of 15–25 basis points)

What else do investors need to know?

The capital partnership enables BOQ to accelerate its specialist banking transformation by shifting equipment finance exposures off balance sheet while growing capital-light revenues. The transition is designed to improve return on equity and support further business in the small and medium business sector.

BOQ’s ongoing equipment finance relationships will now be managed under a servicing arrangement, generating fee income rather than interest. Challenger will take the underlying credit risk on new originations via the forward flow arrangement, with BOQ retaining the ability to lend from its own balance sheet if it chooses.

What did Bank of Queensland management say?

Managing Director & CEO Rod Finch said:

This innovative partnership with Challenger is an evolution of our strategy to think differently about how we support our customers’ growth ambitions and generate value for our shareholders. We are harnessing our recognised capability in originating and servicing customers, particularly in the SME sector, to generate capital-efficient growth. Our ability to return capital to shareholders demonstrates the strength of BOQ’s balance sheet.

What’s next for Bank of Queensland?

Completion of the loan sale and commencement of the forward flow partnership are expected by the end of May 2026. Final details on the on-market buyback and special dividend distribution will come after the transaction closes, subject to board and regulatory sign-off.

BOQ will focus on further optimising its capital and funding profile, using partnerships to support growth in specialist business segments while balancing shareholder returns and prudential strength.

Bank of Queensland share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Bank of Queensland shares have risen 7%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 17% over the same period.

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The post Bank of Queensland announces $3.7bn loan sale and capital partnership with Challenger appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Challenger. 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.