Tag: Stock pick

It’s been an interesting day on the ASX boards so far this Tuesday. Investors were initially optimistic when the markets opened this morning, sending the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) up 0.3% at one point. But as the day has progressed, investors have lost that sense of optimism for ASX 200 stocks.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is currently down 0.2% at just over 9,000 points.

Despite this haphazard performance, though, we have seen a number of ASX 200 stocks hit new 52-week highs today.

We’ve already covered the fresh record high that BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are enjoying. But BHP is not the only ASX 200 stock breaking new ground this Tuesday.

These ASX 200 stocks just hit new 52-week highs

First up, let’s talk about Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS). This ASX 200 energy stock is enjoying a strong 1.11% bounce at present at $27.40 a share. That’s after Woodside hit a new 52-week high of $27.66 earlier this morning.

It seems we have Woodside’s latest earnings to thank for this new high. As we went through earlier this session, Woodside reported record energy production as well as lower costs.

Despite slight declines in revenue and profit, the company still increased its final dividend to 57 US cents per share, up 11% from 53 US cents last year.

Woodside’s high today was also likely boosted by an overnight increase in energy prices, with Brent crude now back over US$70 a barrel.

But it’s not just Woodside hitting a new 52-week high this Tuesday. We’ve also seen new highs from a bevvy of ASX 200 gold stocks.

Gold stocks bounce back

These include Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), and Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX).

Northern Star clocked a new 52-week (and all-time record) high of $30.93 soon after market open this morning. It’s a similar story with Evolution and Westgold. Evolution reset its own record, hitting $16.39 a share, while Westgold raced to $7.93 a share, a new record.

It’s not hard to see a pattern here. Gold itself has continued to push higher today. After dipping below US$5,000 an ounce earlier this month, the yellow metal looks to be gearing up to have a crack at its own record high. It’s back above US$5,000 at about US$5,177 an ounce at the time of writing after hitting US$5,237 a few hours ago.

Clearly, this recovery in the gold markets has renewed investors’ appetites for ASX 200 gold stocks.

The post Woodside and these ASX 200 stocks just hit new 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Gold price reverses course after 4-day run
• Which ASX 200 mining share chair of the board just sold $51 million worth of stock?
• Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Woodside dividend
• Big ASX news: BHP shares hit new $55 record high
• Buy, hold, or sell? 3 ASX 200 shares at record highs

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.

Shares in Coronado Global Resources Inc (ASX: CRN) are in the green on Tuesday after the metallurgical coal producer released its full-year 2025 results.

In early afternoon trade, the Coronado share price is up 2.63% to 29.3 cents. Despite today’s gain, the stock has dropped more than 40% over the past month.

Here’s what the company reported for the year.

Revenue slides as coal prices retreat

For the year ended 31 December 2025, Coronado reported revenue of US$1.95 billion, down from US$2.51 billion in 2024.

The company posted a statutory net loss of US$432.1 million, compared with a US$108.9 million loss a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA swung to a loss of US$144.2 million from a positive US$115.1 million in FY24.

The weaker result largely reflected softer metallurgical coal pricing. The average realised metallurgical coal price fell to US$149.3 per tonne in 2025, down from US$185.3 per tonne in the prior year.

Total sales volumes were broadly steady at 15.6 million tonnes, compared with 15.8 million tonnes in 2024. Saleable production increased slightly to 16 million tonnes.

Costs improve but debt position expands

Despite the pricing pressure, the company delivered lower operating costs. Mining cost per tonne sold declined to US$97.5 from US$107.4 in FY24. Operating cost per tonne sold fell to US$132.1 from US$149.2.

However, balance sheet pressure increased. Net debt rose to US$524.1 million at 31 December 2025, compared with US$85.1 million a year earlier.

Management highlighted improved liquidity during the year, including amendments to its Stanwell arrangements and access to additional funding facilities. The company said it has no near-term debt maturities.

FY26 guidance signals production growth

Looking ahead, Coronado expects saleable production of 16 to 17 million tonnes in FY26, supported by a full year of production from the Mammoth Underground mine and the Buchanan expansion.

Average mining cash costs are guided to US$88 to US$96 per tonne, while capital expenditure is forecast to fall to between US$150 million and US$175 million, down from US$245 million in FY25.

Management said the expansion projects are expected to deliver a stronger mine operating cash contribution in 2026, assuming stable market conditions.

Foolish takeaway

Coronado’s FY25 result reflected a challenging year for metallurgical coal pricing, leading to lower revenue and a larger statutory loss.

While costs improved and production growth is expected in 2026, the sharp rise in net debt and coal price volatility remain key risks.

With shares down sharply over the past month, attention will focus on whether higher volumes and lower capex improve FY26 cash flow.

The post Why is this ASX coal share price climbing after a tough FY25 result appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is struggling on Tuesday. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is down 0.25% to 9,003.9 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB)

The ARB share price is down 15.5% to $20.76. This follows the release of the after-market automotive parts manufacturer’s half-year results. ARB reported a 1% decline in sales revenue to $358 million and a 17.2% decline in profit after tax to $42.2 million. Looking ahead, management advised that it expects sales margins in the second half to be broadly in line with the prior corresponding period. It also advised that its order book remains healthy and investment in new stores and ecommerce continues.

Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB)

The Austal share price is down 11% to $5.00. This appears to have been driven by a broker out of Citi this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded this shipbuilder’s shares to a sell rating with a reduced price target of $4.50 (from $6.90). Even after today’s heavy decline, this still implies potential downside of 10% for investors over the next 12 months.

Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD)

The Mader share price is down 10% to $7.97. This follows the release of the specialist technical services provider’s half-year results. Mader revealed net profit after tax of $30.5 million, which was an increase of 17% over the prior corresponding period. Despite this, the company decided to not pay a dividend in order to reduce debt. It said: “The Group has accelerated its pathway to a net cash position by deferring the 1H FY26 interim dividend, bringing forward achievement of its net cash target and strengthening liquidity to support a more aggressive approach to organic and inorganic growth opportunities.”

Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)

The Steadfast share price is down 4% to $4.26. Investors are selling the insurance broker network company’s shares today after it revealed that its long-serving founder-CEO, Robert Kelly AM, is stepping down. Commenting on his exit, Mr Kelly said: “It has been a privilege to play a leadership role in the creation of Steadfast. I am extremely proud of the achievements of the Company; its strong track record clearly demonstrates the strength of the business model and positions the business to deliver sustainable value to our shareholders for many years to come.” Mr Kelly co-founded Steadfast in 1996 and led the company’s listing on the ASX in August 2013.

The post Why ARB, Austal, Mader, and Steadfast shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ARB shares crash 15% after half-year earnings result disappoints investors
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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 ARB Corporation, Mader Group, and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Mader Group and Steadfast Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The chair of S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining company Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) has just sold $51.2 million worth of shares.

Jake Klein is the non-executive chair of the board at the ASX 200 gold miner.

He transitioned to the non-executive chair role last July after serving as executive chair from 2011 to 2025.

Evolution disclosed the trade in a mandatory lodgement last week.

According to the disclosure, Klein sold 3.25 million Evolution shares on-market over four days for an average price of $15.7587 per share.

These transactions total $51,215,775.

Last week’s trades follow another major sell-down six months ago.

Klein sold 4,597,106 Evolution shares for an average price of $7.9491 per share in August.

The total consideration was just over $36.5 million.

Klein also acquired 1,188,931 Evolution shares through the vesting of performance rights at the time.

ASX 200 mining share hits record high today

The Evolution share price rose 5.2% to a new record high of $16.39 in early trading on Tuesday.

Like yesterday, the materials sector is once again leading the market, which may be contributing to Evolution’s share price jump today.

A presentation lodged with the ASX after the market close yesterday may be impressing investors today as well.

The presentation was delivered at the 35th Annual Global Metals, Mining and Critical Minerals Conference in Florida, US.

Evolution Managing Director and CEO Lawrie Conway told attendees that disciplined capital allocation was driving sustained high returns.

Conway noted two “high return” projects, Northparkes and Ernest Henry, have just been approved.

He also discussed organic growth, with the Mungari plant expansion, completed last year.

He also said the Cowal Open Pit Continuation Project, which will extend the mine’s life to 2042, was running ahead of schedule.

Conway said Evolution planned capital investment of between $900,000 and $1.1 million per year in FY27 through to FY30.

What did Evolution Mining report for 1H FY26?

The Evolution share price rose 8.7% when the miner reported its 1H FY26 results on 11 February.

Evolution reported a 110% increase in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $766.6 million.

The company thrilled investors with a record fully-franked interim dividend of 20 cents per share, nearly triple last year’s interim payment.

It appears some profit-taking took place after the results.

The Evolution share price declined 10.5% over the next week, before commencing a sustained rebound last Wednesday.

Klein’s sell-down means he will forgo the record dividend payment on those 3.25 million shares because the ex-dividend date is 3 March.

But Klein still holds 7.75 million Evolution shares, both indirectly and directly, so his next dividend payout will still be a healthy $1.55 million.

Evolution did not provide a reason for either of Klein’s sales this month or last August.

The post Which ASX 200 mining share chair of the board just sold $51 million worth of stock? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why are ASX 200 gold stocks like Evolution Mining and Northern Star shares going gangbusters on Tuesday?
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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

Shares in gaming company Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW) have been out of favour recently, but with little in the way of news flow to explain why.

The company is set to report its first-half results tomorrow, but RBC Capital Markets has got in ahead of the results to publish a bullish report on the stock, which they think is looking cheap at the moment.

Shares on the slide

Firstly, let’s look at how the shares have been travelling recently.

The shares had a huge day in mid-January, when Light & Wonder settled a major lawsuit with fellow gaming company Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL).

Light & Wonder shares jumped about 25% to $193 on the day before settling back a bit as the day went on.

Investors were clearly glad that a lawsuit brought by Aristocrat against Light & Wonder had been settled – for about $190 million – and the company could then get on with business.

The lawsuit was effectively about whether Light & Wonder had used some of Aristocrat’s intellectual property in developing its Dragon Train and Jewel of the Dragon games.

Light & Wonder agreed to stop selling the games and to destroy documents related to the intellectual property.

But while Light & Wonder shares did well on that day, they have crept steadily lower ever since, and are changing hands for just $135.13 now.

Looking like a solid buying opportunity

RBC has just initiated coverage of the stock, and its analysts say the shares are looking cheap.

As they said in a note to clients:

We initiate coverage on Light & Wonder with an outperform rating and a price target of $190 per share, which implies 41% upside from current levels. Having successfully settled the Dragon Train litigation and moved to a sole primary listing on the ASX, the company is well positioned to drive incremental share gains in the higher value segments of a resilient gaming market. Our Outperform rating is based on strong forecast EPS growth (3-year CAGR of 23%), resilient global gaming markets, increasing cashflow generation and improving return on capital. Global gaming markets remain resilient as evidenced by recent gaming machine expenditure data, notwithstanding some concerns about the softness in destination markets. US casino revenue was up 1% in the month of December and it was up 2% in 2025.

RBC also said the company’s acquisition of Grover Gaming in the charitable gaming sector was a strategic move for the company, giving it an entry point into a new sector.

Light & Wonder was valued at $10.85 billion at the close of trade on Monday.

The post Are this gaming company’s shares a buy ahead of results tomorrow? One broker certainly thinks so 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 positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) shares are pushing higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) supermarket giant closed yesterday trading for $31.31. In late morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands at $31.45, up 0.5%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is just about flat at this same time.

Taking a step back, Woolworths shares have underperformed over the past 12 months, gaining a slender 0.6% compared to the 8.6% one-year gains posted by the benchmark index.

Though that doesn’t include the 84 cents a share in fully franked dividends Woolworths paid eligible stockholders over the year. Woolworths stock currently trades on a fully franked trailing dividend yield of 2.7%.

However, 2026 has been shaping up as a much stronger year for the Aussie supermarket giant, with shares up 7.1% year to date. That’s more than twice the 3.5% gains posted by the ASX 200 this year.

And Shaw and Partners’ Jed Richards believes that Woolies is well-placed for more outperformance in the months ahead (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why.

Should you buy Woolworths shares today?

The first reason you might want to snap up some Woolies stock is the company’s defensive consumer staples revenue model.

According to Richards:

The supermarket giant’s revenue base is remarkably consistent, supported by everyday essential spending. Even during softer economic periods, consumers continue to prioritise groceries and household staples, which helps stabilise WOW’s earnings.

Commenting on the second reason he has a buy recommendation on Woolworths shares, Richards added:

The company’s ongoing investment in digital shopping, supply chain improvements and customer experience initiatives should continue to support dependable, long-term performance.

And I’ll add a third reason you may want to buy shares today. Namely, Woolworths reports its half-year (H1 FY 2026) results tomorrow.

While I don’t have a working crystal ball, I expect Woolworths shares could post some sizeable gains on the heels of those results, with the supermarket having actively been working to reduce costs and improve customer experiences.

When Woolworths reported its first quarter (Q1 FY 2026) results on 29 October, shares closed the day up 2.4%.

What happened with the ASX 200 supermarket in the first quarter?

Woolworths’ half-year results release tomorrow will build on the company’s mixed first-quarter performance.

Over the three months to 30 September, Woolworths achieved sales of $18.5 billion, up 2.7% from Q1 FY 2025.

Woolworths shares jumped higher on the day, despite CEO Amanda Bardwell acknowledging that sales came in “below our aspirations”.

Noting that the supermarket has more to do yet, she added, “The changes we are making to improve value, convenience and availability are being recognised by our customers.”

Looking ahead to the three months to 31 December (Q2), which will be reported on with the half-year results tomorrow, Bardwell said:

We are cautiously optimistic about our key trading quarter [Q2] and we have strong plans in place for our customers for the festive season including a refreshed seasonal range.

Stay tuned!

The post 3 reasons to buy Woolworths shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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

The ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) share price has crashed 15.39% in Tuesday’s trading. 

The decline comes after the 4WD and light commercial vehicle accessories manufacturer posted its first-half results for FY26, ahead of the ASX open this morning.

At the time of writing, ARB shares are changing hands for $20.79 a piece. The decline means the shares are now 34.9% lower for the year to date. They’re also 45.45% below the trading price this time last year.

It’s also the lowest price ARB shares have traded at since August 2020. 

Here’s what the company reported this morning.

Sales, profit, and earnings slump over the first half of FY26

For the six months ending 31st December 2025, ARB reported a 1% drop in its sales revenue compared to the prior corresponding period (pcp), to $358 million. The result reflected weaker domestic conditions, partially offset by strong growth offshore.

The company also posted a significant 18.8% decline in its reported profit before tax, to $57.1 million, and a 16.3% drop in its underlying profit before tax (excluding non-operating items) to $57.95 million. ARB said this decline was due to reduced margins, increased depreciation, and flat operating expenses. Over the period, profit after tax dropped 17.2% to $42.2 million.

In a revenue update last month, ARB explained that its gross margins were squeezed by a weaker Australian dollar against the Thai baht, which increased manufacturing costs. In addition, lower factory overhead recoveries followed elevated inventory levels in the pcp.

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

Dividend payout remains unchanged

Despite the slump in revenue and reported profit for the first half of FY26, ARB’s interim dividend is unchanged. Management has agreed to pay 34 cents per share fully franked at a 30% tax rate. The interim dividend will be paid on the 17th April 2026, and the record date is the 2nd of April 2026.

Management also said that a dividend reinvestment plan and a bonus share plan will operate for the interim dividend. This will assist with funding for ARB’s ongoing expansion programme. 

What is the outlook for ARB this year?

Management said that ARB’s first-half FY26 result was “achieved in challenging conditions both locally and internationally, with the Australian dollar at historical lows against the Thai Baht, softness in new vehicle supply in Australia and other parts of the world and reduced consumer sentiment”. 

But going forward, ARB expects sales margins for the second half of FY26 to be broadly in line with those achieved in 2H FY 2025. This should be supported by the fact that its Thai baht exposure is nearly fully hedged at slightly more favourable rates. 

Overall, ARB’s financial performance in the 2H FY26 is expected to improve on H1 and trade closer to the pcp. 

It added, “The Board remains confident in the Company’s long-term growth prospects across both domestic and export markets and is excited by the strong performance of the US business. ARB is well positioned for sustained long-term success, supported by its globally recognised brands, loyal customer base, very capable senior management and staff, strong balance sheet and growth strategies in place.”

The post ARB shares crash 15% after half-year earnings result disappoints investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) shares are rising on Tuesday.

Investors have been bidding the energy giant’s shares higher after it released its FY 2025 results.

As with every Woodside results release, income investors are paying close attention to its latest dividend announcement.

Let’s break down exactly what was declared and how it compares to last year.

What dividend has Woodside declared?

According to the release, the Woodside board has declared a fully franked final dividend of 59 US cents per share. This brings the total fully franked dividend for FY 2025 to 112 US cents per share.

The total value of the full-year dividend is US$2.1 billion and represents an 80% payout ratio, which is right at the top end of Woodside’s stated dividend policy range of 50% to 80% of underlying net profit after tax.

While the final dividend is up 11% on last year’s final dividend of 53 US cents per share, the full-year total of 112 US cents per share is still down 8% compared to FY 2024’s dividend of 122 US cents per share.

Eligible shareholders can look forward to receiving this dividend on 27 March. Woodside shares will trade ex-dividend for it on 5 March.

How did the results support the dividend?

For FY 2025, Woodside reported operating revenue of US$12.98 billion (down 1%), EBITDA of US$9.28 billion, underlying NPAT of US$2.65 billion (down 8%), and free cash flow of US$1.89 billion.

This was underpinned by record production of 198.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe), which helped offset lower realised commodity prices during the year. Unit production costs fell 4% to US$7.8 per barrel of oil equivalent, demonstrating ongoing cost discipline.

Despite its softer earnings, Woodside maintained its commitment to returning cash to shareholders while continuing to invest heavily in growth projects such as Scarborough, Trion, and Louisiana LNG.

Commenting on its payouts, Woodside’s acting CEO, Liz Westcott, said:

The strength of our base business has delivered returns for shareholders, with Woodside having returned approximately $11 billion in dividends since merger completion in 2022. At the same time, we are reinvesting in the business and actively refining the portfolio, while maintaining a strong balance sheet and gearing within the targeted range.

What does this mean for the Woodside dividend yield?

At current exchange rates, the FY 2025 dividend of 112 US cents per share equates to approximately A$1.59 per share.

Based on the current Woodside share price of $27.28, this implies a generous dividend yield of approximately 5.8%.

The post Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Woodside dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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’s shaping up to be a decent session for the Australian share market and many S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares so far this Tuesday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 Index has jumped 0.16% and is back over 9,040 points, after rising as high as 9,050 points earlier this morning. But let’s talk about what is happening with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares.

While today’s trading has been good for the broader market, it has been great for BHP shares.

The ‘Big Australian’ closed at $54.02 a share yesterday after hitting a record high of $54.75. But this morning, those same shares opened at $55.20 each before rising as high as $55.33. That represents another new 52-week and all-time record high for this ASX 200 mining stock in consecutive days. That’s no small feat for a company that has been around since 1851.

At the time of writing, BHP stock has cooled off a little but is still trading at $54.97. That’s up a happy 1.8% for the day thus far.

This latest high is just the latest feather in BHP’s cap, though. The company has enjoyed an extraordinary return to form over the past few months. BHP shares were as low as $35 each as recently as June 2025.

The company was trading at about $40 a share as recently as November.

Yep, open today’s numbers, the BHP share price has jumped 10.5% in the past month alone, 20% since the start of the year, and almost 55% since that $35 level back in June.

So why are BHP shares carving into this previously untouched ground this Tuesday?

Why are BHP shares at a new record high today?

Well, it’s hard to know for sure. But we can point to two potential catalysts. The first is commodity prices themselves. As a diversified miner, BHP shares are highly sensitive to the price movements of its sundry resources, particularly iron ore, gold, and copper.

As it happens, all of these commodities have seen some recent appreciation. Although copper is not quite at the record highs we saw late last month, it is still at the top of its 52-week range at just under US$13,000 per tonne. Although iron ore is going for under US$100 per tonne, gold has rebounded over the past week and is back over US$5,250 an ounce. That’s after the precious metal dipped below that US$5,000 mark earlier this month.

These commodity price movements are arguably beneficial for BHP shares.

But we also can’t ignore BHP’s earnings report last week, which could still be contributing to the miner’s positive momentum.

Earnings boost for the Big Australian

As we covered last Tuesday, BHP’s half-year results for the six months ending 31 December were nothing to turn one’s nose up at.

BHP reported an 11% increase in revenues to US$27.9 billion, as well as a 28% surge in underlying earnings to US$15.46 billion. This helped to push the company’s net operating cash flow up 13% to US$9.37 billion, and its underlying profit by 22% to US$6.2 billion.

The miner also upped its next interim dividend by an impressive 46% to 73 US cents per share (fully franked).

BHP shares rallied by more than 4% on the day these earnings came out, and have continued to rise ever since. The company is now up more than 9% since those earnings were released.

So it’s likely these reasons that are pushing up the BHP share price to new record highs this Tuesday. Let’s see how the rest of the trading week treats this mining giant.

The post Big ASX news: BHP shares hit new $55 record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, hold, or sell? 3 ASX 200 shares at record highs
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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.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are in the green on Tuesday, up 0.15% to 9,039.2 points.

In the first hour of trading, three ASX 200 shares struck new record highs, amid earnings season continuing today.

Let’s take a look.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) 

The BHP share price increased 2.4% to a new record of $55.33 per share this morning.

This is the highest price that Australia’s largest ASX 200 mining share has traded at in its 140-year history as a listed company.

As we reported, BHP shares breached their previous record, set in mid-July 2021, yesterday.

The BHP share price has been on a positive trajectory since the miner released its 1H FY26 results last Tuesday.

BHP revealed a 28% profit increase to US$5.64 billion and a 46% lift in the interim dividend to 73 US cents per share, fully franked.

Should you consider buying BHP shares at current price levels?

On The Bull last week, Michael Gable from Fairmont Equities gave BHP shares a hold rating.

Gable commented:

Despite recent volatility, I expect commodity prices to continue heading higher during 2026. I believe investors who are still underweight in the resources sector will start to rotate into the miners.

Global diversified miner BHP Group, which recently was the biggest company on the ASX by market capitalisation, is likely to be the top choice of most investors looking for a blue chip company paying a healthy dividend amid the prospect of capital growth. 

Ramelius Resources Ltd (ASX: RMS)

The Ramelius Resources share price lifted 5.7% to an all-time high of $5.16 on Tuesday.

Ramelius Resources reported its 1H FY26 results last Friday.

The gold miner reported a 13% increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $347.7 million.

However, net profit after tax (NPAT) fell 6% to $160 million.

The ASX 200 gold share will pay a fully-franked interim dividend of 3 cents per share.

Should you buy Ramelius Resources shares?

Morgans says yes, retaining its buy rating on the ASX 200 gold share with a 12-month price target of $5.75.

The broker said:

1H26 result was solid with no material surprises, FY26 continues to focus on the integration of Dalgaranga (acquired via ASX SPR) into the RMS asset portfolio.

Key positive: Introduction of new capital management framework and the spartan deal; A$84.9m (net) tax losses remain.

Key negative: Operating cash flow (-3% pcp), free cash flow (-15% pcp) and cash/bullion on hand (-14% pcp) reflect the anticipated grade decline across the RMS Magnet Hub assets.

This was well flagged and should begin to reverse as Dalgaranga ore is introduced into the Magnet operations and ramps through the system …

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

The Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure share price rose 9.4% to a record $5.58 this morning.

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure released its full-year FY25 results today.

The company reported a 5.2% increase in EBITDA to $294.3 million and a 64% dive in statutory NPAT to $29.2 million.

The NPAT fall was attributed to a $90 million increase in net finance costs due to the one-off early repayment of 2020 USPP notes.

The ASX 200 industrial share will pay a quarterly distribution of 6.75 cents per share.

On The Bull this week, Jonathan Tacadena from MPC Markets rated Dalrymple Bay shares a hold, prior to the results release.

Tacadena said:

DBI operates the world’s largest metallurgical coal export facility near Mackay in Queensland.

Recent debt re-financing of $1.07 billion has reduced borrowing costs from 3.26 per cent to 1.56 per cent.

In our view, it was a shrewd play.

These meaningful savings should underpin solid dividend growth of around 6 per cent annually, with potential for more.

The post Buy, hold, or sell? 3 ASX 200 shares at record highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Big ASX news: BHP shares hit new $55 record high
• Why are ASX 200 gold stocks like Evolution Mining and Northern Star shares going gangbusters on Tuesday?
• Zip, CSL and BHP among CommSec’s most-traded ASX shares
• Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure lifts revenue and distributions for FY25
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. 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.