Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) shares are having a strong session on Thursday.
At the time of writing, the ASX 200 gold stock is up 7% to $2.95.
As a comparison, the ASX 200 index is down 0.15% in early trade
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Why is this ASX 200 gold stock jumping?
Investors have been buying the gold miner's shares this morning after it released its guidance for FY 2026.
According to the release, the company is guiding to production of 345k ounces to 385k ounces for the current financial year. This represents a 5.7% to 18% increase on FY 2025's production.
Management notes that this is expected to comprise 330k ounces to 355k ounces of production from Westgold assets and approximately 15k ounces to 30k ounces from the processing of purchased ores.
Though, the ASX 200 gold stock warned that its group production will be back-end weighted to the second half of FY 2026. This is due to the timing of mine ramp ups at Bluebird-South Junction, Great Fingall, and from ore sourced from third parties.
The gold miner has also released its cost guidance for FY 2025. It is expecting an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $2,600 to $2,900 per ounce. This compares to $2,666 per ounce in FY 2025.
The ASX 200 gold stock expects to spend $270 million on non-sustaining capital, which will be up 35.5% year on year.
Management notes that this is predominantly at growth projects within the Murchison and specifically at Bluebird-South Junction ($81M) and Great Fingall ($97M). This investment is largely attributable to increased underground development at these two long life assets.
Westgold also expects to spend $50 million on exploration and resource definition in FY 2026.
Management commentary
Commenting on the year ahead, the ASX 200 gold stock's managing director and CEO, Wayne Bramwell, commented:
Westgold is now leveraging our expanded scale and continuing to optimise our largest mines and mills for grade and enhanced free cash flow in FY26. Consistency in delivery is key – driven by continued investment in drilling, improving operational efficiency and prudently allocating capital where it delivers the greatest return.
This strategy is already bearing fruit with a $132 million treasury build in Q4 and FY25 closing on a record $364 million in cash, bullion and investments.
Our team remains focussed on delivering enhanced shareholder returns through the delivery of safe and profitable ounces. With a robust balance sheet, full exposure to the gold price and a clear path to organic growth, Westgold is committed to becoming the leading Australian gold company.
