Tag: Stock pick

If it’s passive income you’re after, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are well worth investigating.

With the exception of 2020, when oil prices cratered amid the global COVID lockdowns, Woodside has paid out two fully franked dividends a year for more than a decade.

And with oil prices leaping higher this year in the wake of the Middle East conflict, those dividends are becoming more attractive. Not to mention the more than 40% share price gains Woodside has posted in 2026.

So, just how many shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) energy stock do you need to buy for $5,000 a year in passive income?

We’ll get to that in a tick. But first…

An important reminder

Before we dig into the numbers, an important reminder.

The first dividend yield figure we use below is based on Woodside’s final dividend, which the company paid on 27 March. The second comes from the interim dividend that Woodside declared when it released its half-year results yesterday.

That means we’re working partly with the pending dividend yield and partly with a trailing yield. Future yields may be higher or lower depending on a range of company-specific and macroeconomic factors.

And adding another wrinkle to our passive income calculations, Woodside declares its dividend in US dollars. The company will release the Aussie dollar equivalent on 9 September.

That may not be the spot exchange rate on the day, however, but rather based on an average exchange rate over a few week period.

With these variables in mind…

Drilling into Woodside shares for a $10,000 annual passive income

In March, Woodside paid eligible stockholders a fully franked 83.5 cent per share final dividend.

On Tuesday, the ASX 200 oil and gas stock declared a fully franked interim dividend of 57 US cents per share.

Going by today’s exchange rate (and noting this could be different from the average rate Woodside employs on 9 September), that equates to 79.7 Aussie cents per share.

If you want to bank that interim passive income payout, you’ll need to own Woodside shares at market close on 2 September. Woodside trades ex-dividend on 3 September. You can then expect those dividends to hit your bank account on 25 September.

So, based on the above figures, Woodside’s full-year dividend payout is likely to be around AU$1.632 per share.

For $10,000 a year in passive income, you’d need to buy 6,128 shares today.

At the recent share price of $33.26, Woodside trades on a fully franked dividend yield (partly trailing and partly pending) of around 4.9%. Taking those franking credits into account, that equates to a grossed-up yield of around 7.0%.

The post How many Woodside shares do I need to buy to earn $10,000 a year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How much passive income can I earn off my $800,000 superannuation balance?
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• Why is everyone talking about Coles, Ramelius Resources and Woodside shares on Tuesday?

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.

The Vysarn Ltd (ASX: VYS) share price is in focus after the company reported strong growth in its FY2026 results, with group revenue up 31% to $140.06 million and net profit after tax rising 41% to $15.11 million.

What did Vysarn Limited report?

• Revenue from operations: $140.06 million, up 31% year on year
• EBITDA: $28.91 million, up 36% on last year
• Net profit before tax (NPBT): $20.90 million, up 39%
• Net profit after tax (NPAT): $15.11 million, up 41%
• Net tangible assets: $65.99 million
• Operational cashflow: $14.92 million

What else do investors need to know?

Vysarn achieved its growth through the full-year contribution from all subsidiaries, including its consultancy, drilling, wastewater treatment, and managed aquifer recharge businesses. The company highlighted the successful integration of recent acquisitions and growing diversification beyond Western Australia’s resources sector.

During the year, Vysarn progressed two significant deals: the proposed acquisitions of NewGround (NWG Enterprises) and Welltech (Technology International Group). These deals, funded by a $65.3 million capital raise, will extend Vysarn’s reach into water infrastructure, urban development and national water services. The company also advanced the Kariyarra Water Scheme joint venture, aiming to supply bulk water in the Pilbara region.

What’s next for Vysarn Limited?

For FY2027, Vysarn will focus on completing and integrating the NewGround and Welltech acquisitions. Management also expects to pursue organic growth in its established industrial, advisory, and technology segments, including capitalising on east coast opportunities and new markets.

The company is set to invest in its senior management and capabilities to manage increasing scale and complexity. With a strong balance sheet and pipeline of projects, Vysarn aims to continue building a national, diversified water services group, positioning for further growth in the coming years.

Vysarn Limited share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Vysarn shares have risen 100%, significantly outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

View Original Announcement

The post Vysarn FY26 earnings: Revenue and profit surge 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 Vysarn. 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 Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is in focus today after the company delivered record total transaction value (TTV) of $25.7 billion for FY26, alongside a strong 43% lift in earnings per share (EPS) to 71c, and a 5% increase in full-year dividends to 42c per share.

What did Flight Centre Travel Group report?

• TTV rose 4.7% to a record $25.7 billion
• Revenue grew 2.5% to $2.9 billion
• Underlying EBITDA increased 3.9% to $466 million
• Statutory NPAT jumped 38% to $149 million
• EPS climbed 43% to 71c per share
• Final fully franked dividend of 30c, bringing total FY26 dividends to 42c per share (up 5%)

What else do investors need to know?

Despite an impressive run through the first three quarters, Flight Centre faced a $60 million Q4 profit hit in leisure travel from heightened Middle East tensions, slowing TTV growth for the full year. Corporate travel proved resilient, with profit growth outpacing TTV, and Corporate Traveller surpassing $5 billion TTV for the first time.

The company sharpened its focus on capital management, completing $400 million in share buy-backs and issuing a $450 million convertible note. FLT also generated $80 million in cash from non-core asset sales, including Cross Hotels and Resorts and its Pedal Group stake.

What did Flight Centre Travel Group management say?

Flight Centre’s CEO, Graham Turner, commented:

FY26 was a story of mixed fortunes for our company – nine months of strong momentum and progress, interrupted by three months of external disruption that left profit broadly in line with FY25. Through the first three quarters we were tracking well ahead of the prior year in both leisure and corporate.

Then, in Q4, the Middle East conflict disrupted travel patterns, That was an external shock, not a change in the leisure business’s underlying strength, and momentum is already returning, with July TTV at record levels for the month. The $200m profit the business was on track to achieve during FY26 remains a viable, medium-term target given that travel downturns are historically short and followed by rapid rebounds.

What’s next for Flight Centre Travel Group?

Early trading in FY27 is encouraging, with the leisure division delivering record July TTV and a strong profit pipeline, especially in cruise and long-haul outbound travel. Management expects corporate profits to be weighted towards the second half of FY27, factoring in ongoing Middle East instability, up-front expansion spending, and the timing of major new account ramp-ups.

Looking ahead, Flight Centre is focusing on cost discipline, digital initiatives—including AI to enhance the customer experience—and further market share growth. Earnings guidance for FY27 will be provided at the AGM in November.

Flight Centre Travel Group share price snapshot

The Flight Centre share price has traded flat over the past 12 months, compared to a modest gain of almost 3% for the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO).

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The post Flight Centre Travel Group delivers record year despite Q4 challenges 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 recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. 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 Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) share price is in focus after the company reported record FY26 results, with profit after tax rising 14% to $480.5 million and revenue up 19% to $1.48 billion.

What did Perseus Mining report?

• Revenue of $1.484 billion, up 19% year on year
• Net profit after tax of $480.5 million, up 14%
• EBITDA of $860.5 million, up 16%
• Operating cash flow of $666.4 million, up 24%
• Final dividend of 9 cents per share, full-year dividend of 14 cents, up 87%
• Cash and bullion holdings of $1.03 billion

What else do investors need to know?

Perseus Mining completed $126 million of its $150 million FY26 share buyback, and renewed its buyback program with approval to invest up to $350 million more over the next year. The company’s strong balance sheet is supported by an undrawn US$400 million debt facility.

Perseus is also planning a further $100 million distribution to shareholders from the proceeds of the Meyas Sand Project sale in Sudan, pending final structure and approvals. A revised capital management policy sets a minimum dividend of 20% of post-NCI operating cash flow.

Project progress remains strong, with the Nyanzaga Gold Project in Tanzania now 67% complete and on track for first gold pour in January 2027.

What did Perseus Mining management say?

Perseus’s Managing Director and CEO, Craig Jones, said:

Perseus has delivered a record financial result for FY26 delivering on production and cost guidance again, a reflection of the Company’s ongoing commitment to delivering on its priorities. Strong gold prices supported our delivery of record net operating cash flow of $666 million, up 24% year on year, enabling a record year for shareholder returns. Today we announced a final dividend of 9 cents per share taking our full year dividend to 14 cents, up 87%, alongside A$126 million in on-market share buy-backs during the year.

FY26 was also a year of major project momentum with our Nyanzaga Gold Project in Tanzania on track for first gold pour in January 2027 and the achievement of first gold pour from the CMA underground in Côte d’Ivoire.

Our Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve update released today demonstrates Perseus’s ongoing ability to grow its resources, with a 37% increase in Measured and Indicated Resources and a 40% increase in Proved & Probable Reserves compared to FY25.

What’s next for Perseus Mining?

Looking ahead, Perseus expects gold production for FY27 between 420,000 and 480,000 ounces, with all-in site costs forecast between US$1,835 and US$2,070 per ounce. Development focus remains on bringing Nyanzaga online, with commercial production planned for Q4 FY27.

The company also aims to maintain a robust capital management strategy, with a focus on returning value to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, while prioritising project execution and sustainability outcomes.

Perseus Mining share price snapshot

Perseus Mining’s share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a 65% gain, reflecting strong earnings and record shareholder distributions.

View Original Announcement

The post Perseus Mining delivers record profit and higher dividends in FY26 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. 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.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares had a day to remember on Tuesday.

The defence and space company’s shares rocketed 23% to $10.58 following the release of its half-year results.

Does this mean it is too late to invest? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about the popular stock.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter highlights that EOS reported underlying EBITDA that was 4% above its estimates in the first half of FY 2026 thanks to better than expected gross margins. It commented:

EOS pre-reported +283% YoY revenue growth to $169m, supported by +322% YoY growth in Defence (BPe +310%) and -4% YoY decline in Space (BPe +31%). EBITDA was $21.6m (4% beat vs. BPe) driven by higher-than-expected gross margins offset partially by higher opex which reflected a 42% YoY expansion in headcount as EOS scales geographic presence for further order book growth plus MARSS sign on bonuses. Statutory NPAT of -$33.7m was materially lower than expectations and driven completely by fair value adjustments to contingent consideration of the MARSS acquisition.

Another positive was the release of an update on its guidance for FY 2026. Bell Potter points out that management is expecting revenue to be significantly better than both it and the market were expecting. The broker explains:

EOS has completed its review of CY26 revenue outlook (including the base business and the newly acquired MARSS business) and now expects full-year revenue to be in the range of $360-400m substantially above BPe of $316m and consensus of $320m. This guide is not conditional on securing future orders. On 12 August 2026, EOS issued a bank guarantee of British £37.1m ($70.9m) to a prospective government customer in the Middle East. This deposit suggests signing of a major Middle East contract is imminent. 

In the past, EOS has provided guarantees of 5-20% of the contract value, however, it is feasible that guarantees could be a much higher percentage suggesting potential contract value of between $140-700m. EOS also provided a market development update which detailed several new material opportunities including 1x >$300m follow-on production HELW systems and 5x major MARSS opportunities.

Should you buy EOS shares?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $12.60 price target on EOS shares.

Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of almost 20% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

Retain Buy. EOS is positioned as a C-UAS market leader leveraged to increasing budget allocations to C-UAS tech. The next 3-12 months is catalyst rich for EOS.

The post What is Bell Potter saying about EOS shares after its results? 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 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.

There are a handful of ASX shares that analysts think could deliver substantial returns, with multiple buy ratings.

Analysts always seek opportunities that may be undervalued. Experts can quantify how undervalued an investment might be with a price target.

A price target tells investors where they think the share price will be in 12 months from the time of the investment rating. If a price target implies capital gains of more than 10% in the next year, it could be more likely to beat the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

There are a few names that are projected to grow by 60% or more, including the following two.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)

IDP describes itself as a global leader in international student placement and a co-owner of the world’s most popular high-stakes English language test, IELTS. It helps people get accepted into their ideal course, take an English language test or learn English in its schools.

It’s partnered with more than 1,000 universities and institutions across Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.

The ASX share has struggled in recent times amid the uncertainty surrounding the international student sector, but now it’s seen as undervalued after falling 95% since November 2021 and down 70% since January 2026.

IDP Education reported that it was resilient during FY26, with revenue only falling by 9% to $795.4 million as low volumes were partly offset by a strong yield performance. It said that its yield improved 11% in student placement and 7% in language testing.

Student placement volumes declined by 27%, language testing volumes dropped by 8%, and language volumes increased by 1%. IDP said it was disciplined with its cost control, with direct costs down 8%. It delivered a $32 million net reduction in its overhead cost base, ahead of its $25 million target.

It also said that its adjusted operating profit (EBIT) of $122.9 million only declined by 7%.

The ASX share is planning for its market volume to drop by 20%-30% in FY27, but it expects revenue outperformance amid a focus on profitable growth and average yield improvements. The student placement and English language testing yields are expected to grow at mid-single-digit percentages.

Cost-cutting is expected to deliver a $15 million reduction in overhead costs.

According to CMC Invest, there have been nine ratings on the business within the last three months. The average price target is $3.08, implying a possible rise of 68% over the next year from where it is at the time of writing.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

Another ASX share that could be one to watch is Zip, a leading buy now, pay later business.

The company recently reported its results for the 12 months to 30 June 2026, which showed impressive growth. Total transaction value (TTV) grew 27.2% to $16.7 billion, with US TTV higher by 42.5% in US dollar terms.

Total income increased 24.6% to $1.35 billion, cash operating profit (EBTDA) rose 57.9% to $268.9 million and statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) grew 45.7% to $116.4 million. It also announced a $50 million Zip share buyback.

In FY27, the ASX share expects to see US TTV growth of more than 30% in US dollar terms, and cash EBTDA could rise by 26% to $340 million.

According to CMC Invest, there have been six ratings on the business within the last three months. The average price target is $4.28, suggesting a possible rise of 69% over the next year from where it is at the time of writing.

The post 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 60% or more in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares were in fine form on Tuesday.

Following the release of the supermarket giant’s FY 2026 results, its shares were bid almost 5% higher, closing the session at $23.75.

This leaves Coles shares trading close to their record high of $24.59.

Can they keep climbing? Let’s see what Bell Potter is saying about the company and its shares.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter highlights that Coles delivered a profit slightly ahead of expectations in FY 2026. It said:

Revenue of $45,580m was up +2.8% YoY (vs. BPe $45,698m and VA $45,602m). EBITDA of $4,220m was up +7.1% YoY (vs. BPe of $4,220m and VA $4,244m). Underlying NPAT of $1,255m was up +13.7% YoY (vs. BPe of $1,195m and VA $1,241m).

The broker also highlights that Coles plans to make a significant investment in its store network, which will include the opening of 45+ new stores and the refurbishment of many more. It said:

COL has unveiled a material investment in its business, in: (1) Network investment of $300m over FY27-28e, covering new stores (+45 new Supermarkets) and refurbishments (1500 renewals); (2) $880m investment in VIC ADC ($190m spent to date and $300m in FY27e) with commissioning in FY30e; and (3) Strategic partnership with Accenture to generate >$100m in benefits by endFY29e (requiring an upfront $190m investment to be booked as an NRI).

Bell Potter has boosted its net profit estimates by 11% in FY 2027 and FY 2028, reflecting lower depreciation charges and the benefits of accelerated store opening program.

Should you buy Coles shares?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its hold rating on Coles shares with an improved price target of $24.40 (from $22.80).

This implies modest potential upside of 2.7% before dividends. Including them, Bell Potter expects a total return of just over 6%.

Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

The major acceleration in business investment creates a reasonably attractive growth profile through to FY29e, with a reasonable dividend yield. Staples remain in favour and COL is a beneficiary of this dynamic.

In determining our target price we have considered a sum of the parts and ROIC model. Major features of these approaches are: (1) Sum of the parts: We have incorporated multiple of 9.5x EBITDA for Supermarkets and 8.0x EBITDA for the liquor business, modest discounts to its peers; and (2) ROIC based approach : Which is predicated on a WACC of 8.1%, deriving an implied EV/EBITDA is ~9.3-9.5x FY27- 28e.

The post Are Coles shares a buy after its results? 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.

It seems strange to think about now, but it really wasn’t that long ago that bank stock Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) was the largest share on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

CBA held this crown for a long time, but it was usurped back in January by none other than BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). The mining giant only held on to said crown for a few weeks, returning it to CBA in February. By March, though, BHP was back on top, and has been there ever since.

Today, the gap looks almost insurmountable. As we speak, BHP rules the ASX 200 roost with its market capitalisation of just over $344 billion. CBA comes in a distant second at a value of $262.75 billion.

In an ASX 200 index fund, this means that BHP commands about a 12% weighting, with CBA taking up 9.6%.

Given that just a few months ago, these two titans of the ASX were in lockstep, it is worth asking the question: ‘Will CBA shareholders take back the crown that it relinquished to BHP many moons ago?’

Well, the theoretical answer is of course yes. The ASX has seen many swings and roundabouts in the makeup of its top echelons over many decades. If CBA has supplanted BHP before, there’s no reason it cannot do so again. And vice versa.

So let’s look at what it took to get where we are today.

CBA vs BHP shares: The race to the top of the ASX 200

CBA shares have really had a year to forget in 2026. The stock is down about 2.5% year to date. It has had a lacklustre 12 months too, with the bank last hitting a record high of $192 a share back in June of 2025. Today, at $157.01, it is down more than 18% from that all-time high. An arguably stretched valuation, as well as concerns over housing and financial markets in Australia, are the likely culprits for this drop.

Meanwhile, BHP has been firing on all cylinders. The ‘Big Australian’s bet on copper has paid off handsomely, with roaring prices pushing BHP stock to reset its own record highs several times over 2026 to date. The most recent record came just yesterday, seeing the miner hit $68.22 a share.

Year to date, BHP has now lifted an astonishing 47.88%.

So we can see how the disparity between BHP and CBA shares has established itself.

But all it would take for the gap to narrow, or even invert, would be a change in economic conditions. BHP is a resources stock, and thus highly sensitive to commodity prices. If prices came off the boil, you can bet that BHP’s shares would follow, and sharply.

If CBA held its own or even attracted buyers looking for a safe haven (the company has benefited from this before), we could well see Commonwealth Bank regain its ASX 200 crown. It’s entirely possible. But whether it happens next month, next year or next decade is the $80 billion question.

The post Will CBA shares ever get back to the top of the ASX 200? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are trading in the green this week. The ASX lithium stock has gained 21% over the past month and nearly 140% over the last 12 months, at the time of writing.

The question for investors is whether the rally can continue after PLS Group delivered a remarkably strong FY2026 result.

The latest earnings report, released on Monday, showed just how dramatically the lithium market has improved.

Profit and revenue surge

Higher lithium prices and stronger market confidence provided a major boost to PLS’ financial performance.

The company’s realised selling price jumped 121% to US$1,488 per tonne. That helped revenue surge 152% to $1.9 billion, while net profit after tax (NPAT) exploded 369% higher to $528 million.

The company also improved its underlying operations. Unit operating costs (FOB) fell 9% to $569 per tonne, while sales volumes reached a record level. PLS Group also strengthened its balance sheet, helped by a successful US$600 million bond issue.

Management of PLS shares says the business enters FY2027 “larger, lower cost” and with significantly stronger finances and greater flexibility.

From defense to growth

The company plans to build on that position by progressing growth projects including P2000 and Colina, while ramping up production at Ngungaju.

During the year, the improving lithium environment allowed Pilbara Minerals to shift from defensive positioning towards growth. It restarted the Ngungaju processing plant and updated timelines for the P2000 and Colina projects.

The P2000 and Colina feasibility studies have also progressed, with the company approving approximately $175 million of pre-FID capital expenditure for P2000 in June.

There won’t be many ASX companies with a market capitalisation above $10 billion delivering this level of growth during the current reporting season.

Are PLS shares still a buy?

Despite the impressive numbers, investors may need to be more selective after such a huge share-price rally.

Bell Potter believes PLS shares may have peaked for now. The broker retained its hold rating on Tuesday morning but increased its price target from $4.70 to $5.20. With PLS shares currently trading at $5.15, this suggests they are near fair value.

TradingView data shows a divided analyst community. Nine of 18 brokers rate the stock a buy or strong buy, while the average price target is $5.36, slightly above the current share price.

The most bullish forecast sees PLS shares climbing 28% to $7.00. At the other end of the spectrum, the most pessimistic forecast points to a potential 40% decline.

So, while PLS Group’s fundamentals have improved dramatically, the share price may already reflect much of that optimism. After a 140% gain over 12 months, investors should weigh the company’s strong growth prospects against lithium price volatility and valuation.

The post Up nearly 140%, are PLS shares still a buy after exploding profit growth? 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.

On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form and raced higher. The benchmark index rose 0.7% to 9,164.6 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to rise

The Australian share market looks set for a good session on Wednesday following a positive night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 31 points or 0.35% higher. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.3%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.3%, and the Nasdaq charged 0.65% higher.

Oil prices sink

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a tough session on Wednesday after oil prices sank overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 5% to US$80.81 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 6% to US$86.63 a barrel. This was driven by easing US-Iran war fears.

Buy EOS shares

In response to its results on Tuesday, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and $12.60 price target on Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) shares. It said: “EBITDA was $21.6m (4% beat vs. BPe) driven by higher-than-expected gross margins offset partially by higher opex which reflected a 42% YoY expansion in headcount as EOS scales geographic presence for further order book growth plus MARSS sign on bonuses.. […] Retain Buy. EOS is positioned as a C-UAS market leader leveraged to increasing budget allocations to C-UAS tech. The next 3-12 months is catalyst rich for EOS.”

Gold price rises

ASX 200 gold shares Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good session on Wednesday after the gold price rose again. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.45% to US$4,719 an ounce. Traders bid the gold price close to a three-month high on US dollar weakness.

More ASX 200 results

Another group of ASX 200 shares will be releasing their results on Wednesday and will be on watch. This includes counter-drone technology company DroneShield (ASX: DRO), pizza chain operator Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP), supermarket giant Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), investment platform provider Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL), and logistics technology company WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Will CBA shares ever get back to the top of the ASX 200?
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• Are Woolworths shares a buy, sell or hold ahead of its FY26 results announcement?
• Why WiseTech shares are pushing higher again on Tuesday
• Why is the ASX 200 having its best day in 3 weeks?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, WiseTech Global, and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, DroneShield, Electro Optic Systems, Netwealth Group, and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.