Shares in Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) are trading higher after the company announced it was extending its share buyback by another $750 million.

The gaming company said it had bought back $701.1 million already since February 2025, and given the company’s strong cash generation, had decided to extend.

As the company said:

The board has approved an increase in the on-market share buy-back program to allow up to a further $750 million in shares to be bought back over an additional 12-month period ending 5 March 2027 (up to $1.5 billion in aggregate). The on-market share buy-back program will continue to be conducted on an opportunistic basis and Aristocrat reserves the right to vary, suspend or terminate the on-market share buy-back program at any time.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Croker, stated that the company was able to conduct the extended buyback while also expanding the business.

He said in a statement:

With the $750 million on-market share buy-back program previously announced in February 2025 nearing completion, and our consistently strong cash flow generation, we are able to continue to pursue a mix of returns to shareholders via dividends and share buy-backs while also investing in strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives.

Strong performance

In its most recent profit announcement in November, Aristocrat reported full-year revenue had increased 11% to $6.29 billion and net profit was up 9.4% to $1.42 billion.

Mr Croker said at the time that it was a strong result with double-digit growth across most key metrics.

The group delivered strong revenue and EBITDA growth over the year, again benefitting from strong organic growth and an outstanding portfolio of content across the group. This result once again highlights our market leadership and scale as fundamental strengths of the business , supported by a focus on efficiency and extracting operating leverage as we grow.

Mr Croker said the company had taken “foundational steps that will set up Aristocrat Interactive to accelerate performance, and allow us to fully utilise our content, scale and capabilities”.

He added that the company would continue to pursue strategic merger and acquisition opportunities “in a disciplined and consistent manner”.

Aristocrat shares were 2.4% higher at $58 on Friday morning, not far off their 12-month lows of $54.20.

The company was worth $34.82 billion at that price. Aristocrat is paying an unfranked trailing dividend yield of 1.6%.

Aristocrat will hold its annual general meeting on February 19.

The post Which gaming company has just announced a huge new share buyback? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Which ASX gaming stock to buy in 2026: Aristocrat Leisure or Light & Wonder?

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.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are on the slide on Friday morning.

At the time of writing, the mining giant’s shares are down over 6% to $142.64.

Why are Rio Tinto shares sinking?

Investors have been selling the company’s shares this morning after responding negatively to a massive announcement.

According to the release, Rio Tinto and Glencore (LSE: GLEN) have been engaging in preliminary discussions about a possible combination of some or all of their businesses. This could include an all-share merger between the two mining giants.

As things stand, the two parties’ current expectation is that any merger transaction would be effected through the acquisition of Glencore by Rio Tinto by way of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement.

However, it has warned that there can be no certainty that an offer will be made or as to the terms of any such offer, should one be made.

It also stressed that nothing in this announcement will be construed as indicating any terms of any such transaction or offer. Rio Tinto reserves the right to introduce other forms of consideration and vary the mix or composition of consideration of any offer.

In accordance with London stock exchange rules, Rio Tinto will have until 5.00 p.m. (London time) on 5 February 2026 to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Glencore or to advise that no offer will be made.

What is Glencore?

Rio Tinto is of course the world’s biggest iron ore miner and has a market capitalisation of about US$142 billion.

Glencore is valued at US$65 billion as of its last close and is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies. It is a major producer and marketer of more than 60+ commodities that advance everyday life.

The company notes that its customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation, battery manufacturing and oil sectors. It also provides financing, logistics and other services to producers and consumers of commodities.

In 2024, it generated US$14.4 billion in adjusted EBITDA and US$3.2 billion in marketing adjusted EBIT.

Should the merger go ahead, it would create a monster with a market value of over US$200 billion (~A$300 billion).

However, only time will tell if that will be the case. Glencore and Rio Tinto have looked at a merger in the past, with no deal ultimately being reached. And it appears the market isn’t overly keen on the plan, based on the way Rio Tinto shares are performing today.

The post Rio Tinto shares sink 6% on Glencore merger bombshell appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) shares are ending the week with an almighty bang.

In morning trade, the ASX 200 stock is up 24% to a record high of $39.20.

Why is this ASX 200 stock rocketing?

The catalyst for today’s move has been the release of an announcement from the metal detector and communications products manufacturer before the market open on Friday.

That announcement includes a trading update covering the half year period ended 31 December 2025. Though, management notes that all figures are preliminary, unaudited, and subject to review by the group’s auditors.

According to the release, Codan is expecting its group revenue for the first half of FY 2026 to be approximately $394 million. If this proves accurate, it will mean a sizeable increase of 29% over the prior corresponding period.

Based on this estimate, the ASX 200 stock believes that its underlying net profit after tax will be not less than $70 million for the half. This represents growth of approximately 52% over the prior corresponding period, and indicates that margins are improving meaningfully in FY 2026.

What were the drivers of this growth?

Management notes that its revenue and profit growth for the first half of FY 2026 were underpinned by “outstanding results achieved by the metal detection business and ongoing strong performance in the communications segment.”

The ASX 200 stock’s metal detection business delivered revenue of approximately $168 million for the half. This represents growth of ~46% over the prior corresponding period. The company advised that this growth was primarily achieved by gold detector sales in the African region. In addition, metal detector sales in other key rest of world recreational markets achieved double-digit growth for the half compared to the same period last year.

As for the communications segment, it achieved revenue of approximately $222 million for the six months. This represents growth of ~19% over the prior corresponding period. Management notes that this rate of growth is consistent with its “stated expectation of growth at the upper end of the 15% to 20% growth target range for the first-half of FY26.”

Following today’s move, this ASX 200 stock is now up almost 150% over the past 12 months from $15.94. This means that a $10,000 investment a year ago, would now be worth close to $25,000.

Codan intends to release its audited half year results for FY 2026 next month on 19 February.

The post Guess which ASX 200 stock is rocketing 24% on impressive half year profit update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Superannuation fund AustralianSuper has boosted its stake in takeover target BlueScope Steel Ltd (ASX: BSL), likely betting that a sweetened takeover offer will be tabled.

In a notice lodged with the ASX late on Thursday afternoon, the superannuation fund indicated that it had increased its stake in BlueScope, which on Wednesday rejected a $30 per share takeover offer from SGH Ltd (ASX: SGH) and US company Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ: STLD).

AustralianSuper’s stake in BlueScope increased from 12.5% to 13.52% following share purchases on Monday and Tuesday at prices ranging from $24.38 to $29.55.

Strong bargaining position

Given that AustralianSuper’s stake is higher than 10%, it puts the super fund in a strong bargaining position to potentially block any takeover bid or hold out for a higher price.

Generally, under a takeover scenario, companies can move to compulsorily acquire the shares they do not own if they manage to gain control of more than 90% of a company’s shares.

The BlueScope board on Wednesday formally rejected the $30 per share bid from SGH and Steel Dynamics, after news of the bid broke on Monday.

The BlueScope board said it had unanimously rejected the bid, saying it undervalued the company.

BlueScope Chair Jane McAloon put it this way:

Let me be clear – this proposal was an attempt to take BlueScope from its shareholders on the cheap. It drastically undervalued our world-class assets, our growth momentum, and our future – and the board will not let that happen. This is the fourth time we’ve said no, and the answer remained the same – BlueScope is worth considerably more than what was on the table.

Ms McAloon said the company was “well recognised” for building shareholder value and had delivered over $3.8 billion in shareholder returns since 2017, achieving an average 18% return on invested capital.

Industry at a low point

Ms McAloon also said that steel spread prices in Asia were currently at a low point, and if they returned to historical average levels, “this would be expected to generate an additional $400 to $900 million of EBIT per annum relative to FY2025”.

She added that BlueScope was targeting $500 million in extra earnings from growth programs, which were “well under way”, and the company was also targeting $200 million in cost and productivity improvements this financial year.

The proposal from SGH and Steel Dynamics would have involved SGH acquiring all of the shares in BlueScope and then on-selling BlueScope’s North American businesses to the American company.

BlueScope shares closed at $29.40 on Thursday, valuing the company at $12.78 billion.

The post AustralianSuper boosts its stake in takeover target BlueScope Steel appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

The Codan Ltd (ASX: CDA) share price is in focus today after the company reported group revenue of about $394 million for the first half of FY26, up 29% on the same time last year. Underlying net profit after tax is expected to exceed $70 million, roughly 52% higher than the previous period.

What did Codan report?

• First-half FY26 group revenue: ~$394 million, up 29% year-on-year
• Underlying net profit after tax: not less than $70 million, up ~52%
• Metal detection revenue: ~$168 million, up ~46%, driven by strong gold detector sales in Africa
• Communications segment revenue: ~$222 million, up ~19%, meeting the higher end of Codan’s growth target
• Approximately $4 million of revenue from legacy Minetec business included

What else do investors need to know?

Codan’s results were supported by ongoing strength in both its metal detection and communications businesses. Recreational metal detector sales outside Africa also delivered double-digit growth for the half.

The company’s communications business continued to perform well, matching the upper end of its stated 15%–20% growth target for the first half. All figures in this update are preliminary, unaudited, and will be reviewed by Codan’s auditors before final results are released.

What’s next for Codan?

Codan is set to release its full audited first-half FY26 results on 19 February 2026, which will give investors greater detail about segment performance and outlook. The business remains focused on developing durable technology solutions for customers in demanding environments worldwide.

Investors will be watching for further updates on growth in both the metal detection and communications segments, as well as any news on dividends or refreshed strategic targets.

Codan share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Codan shares have risen 99%, strongly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Codan posts strong first-half FY26 revenue and profit growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

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.

After several years in the wilderness, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) has reminded investors what a well-run major bank can deliver. The share price surged through 2024 and 2025, dividends lifted, and total shareholder returns ranked second among the major banks last year.

As we head into 2026, though, I think the next chapter is far less straightforward. Westpac is entering the year with momentum, but also with a valuation that assumes a lot goes right. That is why I see 2026 as a potentially make-or-break year for the Westpac share price.

A strong recovery story

There is no question Westpac’s turnaround since the pandemic has been real.

At its 2025 annual general meeting (AGM), management highlighted its net profit of $7 billion and a return on tangible equity of 11% excluding notable items. Deposit growth outpaced loan growth, margins held steady despite competition, and the bank finished the year with a CET1 ratio of 12.5%, which is market leading in Australia.

Just as importantly, the long-running remediation and risk issues are now largely behind it. The completion of the CORE program and the removal of APRA’s remaining $500 million capital overlay marked a symbolic and practical reset. I think Westpac is now operating from a position of strength rather than defence.

That shift could have been a key driver of the Westpac share price re-rating.

Why valuation now matters

The problem for 2026 is that Westpac is no longer priced like a recovery story.

After delivering a total shareholder return of over 20% in 2025, expectations are higher. In my view, at a 19x PE ratio, its shares are now valued more like a steady compounder than a bank still in the early stages of a turnaround. That leaves less margin for error.

Yet, its earnings growth looks set to be modest. Loan growth across the system is slowing, mortgage competition remains intense, and business lending is not immune to a softer economic backdrop. At the same time, costs are elevated. Expenses rose 9% in FY25, driven by investment in technology, bankers, and the UNITE transformation program.

Management has been clear that cost reductions are coming, but that is a medium-term ambition rather than a near-term certainty.

Execution is everything in 2026

At its AGM from last month, one word came up repeatedly: execution.

The new leadership team is focused on simplifying the bank, improving service, and driving productivity through UNITE and increased use of AI. These initiatives are sensible and necessary, but they also carry execution risk. Investors will want to see tangible progress, not just ambition.

Targets such as achieving a cost-to-income ratio below the peer average by FY29 are encouraging, but 2026 will be about proving that momentum is real and sustainable.

If costs do not start to moderate, or if revenue growth disappoints, the Westpac share price could quickly come under pressure.

What could still support the Westpac share price

That said, there are still reasons to be constructive.

Westpac’s balance sheet is very strong, credit quality has been resilient, and capital flexibility supports attractive dividends. The final dividend of 77 cents in FY25 took full-year dividends to $1.53 per share, fully franked, which remains attractive for income-focused investors.

If interest rates remain supportive and the economy avoids a hard landing, Westpac could continue to deliver steady returns, even without strong growth.

My view on 2026

For me, 2026 really is a defining year for the Westpac share price.

If the bank can translate its strategic progress into lower costs and stable earnings growth, the share price can hold up and potentially grind higher. If not, the market may start to question whether much of the good news is already priced in.

The post Will 2026 be make-or-break for the Westpac share price? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) shares are in the green in these early days of 2026.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) airline closed up 0.29% on Thursday, trading for $10.51 each. That puts the share price up 1.25% since the 31 December close.

Taking a step back, Qantas shares have gained 13.25% since this time last year, outpacing the 4.45% returns delivered by the benchmark index.

And that doesn’t include the two fully franked dividends Qantas paid eligible stockholders over this time. At Thursday’s closing price, the ASX 200 airline trades on a fully franked 5% trailing dividend yield.

Now here’s why I think this forecast from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) could offer some welcome tailwinds for the airline in 2026.

How a rising Aussie dollar could boost Qantas shares

As you may be aware, April saw the Aussie dollar fall to a five-year low against the greenback. The Aussie was then trading for 59.22 US cents amid heightened fears of United States President Donald Trump’s global tariff campaign.

On Thursday, the Aussie dollar was fetching 67.20 US cents, up 13.5% since those April lows.

Qantas shares have also soared higher since then, with shares now up 31% since 9 April.

And CBA expects further strengthening in the Aussie dollar in 2026.

“The Aussie typically does well against most currencies when the world economy is in a cyclical upswing,” CBA said.

The bank added that expected US tax cuts and US Fed interest rate cuts (while the RBA is looking at lifting rates) are also likely to help boost the Aussie dollar against the US dollar.

“If tariff fears ease and US tax cuts support growth,” CBA said, the Australian dollar could hit 73 US cents in 2026.

As for the potential impact on Qantas shares, CBA noted that this could have “a major impact on the large number of Australians with plans for overseas travel”.

CBA said that over the two-week Black Friday spending period, travel spending hit $2.2 billion, up 8.4% year on year.

“What kind of bang they get for their buck, though, is tied directly to the Aussie dollar’s value,” CBA said of international travellers.

The bank added:

The outlook for the Australian economy is positive, and despite 2025’s unwanted inflation surprises, jobs figures often beat expectations and indicated a labour market at or near full employment.

While a stronger Aussie dollar could see fewer international bookings into Australia, I believe the overall impact on travel demand should weigh in Qantas’ favour.

Billion-dollar jet fuel bills

Atop the potential increase in Australian travellers, a stronger Aussie dollar could also help boost Qantas shares via lower jet fuel costs.

Oil, as you likely know, is priced in US dollars.

And we’re not talking about a few thousand dollars here.

Qantas expects its first half FY 2026 fuel costs to come in at $2.6 billion, so even another 10% appreciation in the Australian dollar could have a material impact on the airline’s bottom line.

The post How Qantas shares could catch a welcome uplift in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

While artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, another global megatrend is beginning to accelerate and grab headlines — defence spending.

In early 2026, defence-focused investments are back in the spotlight as geopolitical tensions persist and governments commit to unprecedented military budgets. For Australian investors, this has renewed attention on ASX ETFs offering diversified exposure to global defence contractors and military technology leaders.

Two powerful forces are driving this trend.

A world that feels less stable, not more

Despite hopes that the post-pandemic era would bring a more cooperative global environment, reality has moved in the opposite direction.

Cold and hot conflicts continue across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific flashpoints. Meanwhile, major powers including the United States, China, and Japan are actively modernising their military capabilities. Smaller nations are following suit, often under pressure to meet alliance commitments or defend strategic interests.

This environment is pushing defence spending higher — not just as a short-term response, but as part of long-term strategic planning. Governments are investing in missile defence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, surveillance technology, naval assets, and aerospace platforms. These are multi-decade programs, not one-off purchases.

For investors, that matters. Defence companies often benefit from long contracts, recurring revenue, and government-backed demand that is less sensitive to economic cycles.

A $1.5 trillion signal from the White House

That long-term trend was given fresh momentum this week.

US President Donald Trump announced plans to lift America’s military budget by 50% to approximately US$1.5 trillion by 2027, citing global instability and the need to maintain strategic superiority.

To put that number into perspective, it would represent the largest defence budget in history — comfortably exceeding the combined military spending of several major nations.

Markets did not ignore the signal. Global defence stocks rallied sharply following the announcement, with many companies hitting new highs in early 2026. The message was clear: defence spending is not peaking — it is accelerating.

Given the size of the US defence ecosystem, higher American spending tends to flow through supply chains globally, benefiting contractors, subcontractors, and technology providers across multiple regions.

Why these ASX ETFs are in focus

Rather than taking a punt on individual defence stocks, many investors have gravitated toward ASX ETFs that offer broad, rules-based exposure to the global defence supply chain.

Two in particular have stood out.

The VanEck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND) has surged more than 75% over the past 12 months, excluding dividends. DFND has a heavier weighting toward US and European defence primes and advanced technology providers, reflecting where the bulk of global defence spending is flowing. Its portfolio includes exposure across missile systems, aerospace, intelligence software, and next-generation defence platforms, with a strong tilt toward companies embedded in long-term NATO and allied procurement programs.

By contrast, the Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR) — up over 60% in the past year, excluding dividends — takes a slightly broader approach. While it also holds many of the world’s largest aerospace and defence contractors, ARMR’s construction places more emphasis on diversified military hardware and infrastructure suppliers, offering exposure across traditional defence manufacturing alongside newer areas such as surveillance, communications, and security technology.

Not without risks, but supported by structural demand

As with any thematic investment, defence is not risk-free. Valuations across the sector have risen, and political sentiment can shift over time. Defence companies also operate in an environment where delays, cost overruns, or policy changes can impact earnings.

However, the structural backdrop remains supportive. Governments rarely slash defence spending during uncertain times, and modern warfare increasingly relies on advanced technology rather than manpower alone. That trend favours ongoing investment, not retrenchment.

Foolish Takeaway

AI may still command the spotlight, but defence spending is shaping up as one of the most durable investment themes of the decade.

With global tensions unresolved and the world’s largest economy preparing to spend US$1.5 trillion on its military, the tailwinds behind defence-focused ETFs look set to persist well beyond 2026.

For investors seeking diversified exposure to this powerful megatrend, defence ETFs remain firmly on the radar.

The post Forget AI – these ASX ETFs are riding a global megatrend with years of tailwinds ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Leigh Gant 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 Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) share price is in focus after the company announced an extension to its on-market share buy-back program, building on A$701.1 million worth of shares already bought back since February 2025 and authorising up to an additional A$750 million over the coming year.

What did Aristocrat Leisure report?

• A$701.1 million in shares bought back since February 2025
• Board has approved an increase to buy back up to a further A$750 million in shares
• Total on-market share buy-back capacity now up to A$1.5 billion (aggregate)
• Buy-back period extended for 12 months, ending 5 March 2027
• Buy-back to remain opportunistic, with flexibility for Aristocrat to vary, suspend, or end the program

What else do investors need to know?

Aristocrat says the share buy-back extension is part of its ongoing capital management strategy, aiming to balance shareholder returns with investment in growth. The extension reflects the company’s strong cash flow generation and solid performance across its global business units.

The board emphasised that the buy-back is not prescriptive and will be managed depending on market conditions and capital allocation needs. Aristocrat also continues to explore investments in strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives alongside the program.

What did Aristocrat Leisure management say?

Chief Executive Officer of Aristocrat Trevor Croker said:

With the A$750 million on-market share buy-back program previously announced in February 2025 nearing completion, and our consistently strong cash flow generation, we are able to continue to pursue a mix of returns to shareholders via dividends and share buy-backs while also investing in strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives.

What’s next for Aristocrat Leisure?

Looking ahead, Aristocrat plans to continue focusing on shareholder returns through both dividends and buy-backs, while remaining active in pursuing growth, both organically and by acquisition. The company says it reserves the right to adjust its buy-back program subject to market conditions and its broader capital needs.

With a technology-driven product portfolio and global footprint across casino, digital, and interactive gaming, Aristocrat says it will remain committed to growing its core businesses and seeking out new opportunities in the entertainment and gaming sector.

Aristocrat Leisure share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Aristocrat Leisure shares have declined 21%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 5% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Aristocrat Leisure extends buy-back program appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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 Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price is in the spotlight today after the company confirmed it is in preliminary talks with Glencore about a possible merger. The discussions could lead to an all-share combination and would be structured as a Court-sanctioned scheme if pursued.

What did Rio Tinto report?

• Confirmed early-stage discussions with Glencore for a possible business combination
• Potential transaction may involve an all-share merger with Glencore
• Current expectation is any deal would be by a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement
• No firm offer has been made at this stage, and terms remain undecided
• Rio Tinto has until 5 February 2026 to make a formal announcement under UK Takeover Code rules

What else do investors need to know?

Rio Tinto clarified in the announcement that there is no certainty a formal offer will occur or what terms any potential deal could include. The company also stated it reserves the right to adjust any terms in future negotiations, including the type or mix of consideration offered.

Shareholders and investors are advised that further announcements will be made if and when appropriate. Until then, it’s business as usual at Rio Tinto, with the company highlighting the exploratory nature of the current discussions.

What’s next for Rio Tinto?

Looking ahead, Rio Tinto has until 5 February 2026 to decide whether to announce a firm intention to make an offer for Glencore or step back from the talks. The company stresses that the process is still in its early stages, and any future updates will follow regulatory requirements.

With commodity markets evolving and industry mergers in focus, Rio Tinto and Glencore’s discussions reflect ongoing efforts to explore strategic growth. Investors will be waiting to see if a deal eventuates or the companies take separate paths.

Rio Tinto share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Rio Tinto shares have risen 31%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has increased 5% over the same period.

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The post Rio Tinto confirms preliminary merger talks with Glencore 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.