Shareholders in the money

But the announcement is good news for shareholders, with the ASX gold company saying it would distribute the money by way of a special dividend.

The Burkina Faso Government already held a 15% stake in the Kiaka operations, which poured their first gold ahead of schedule and under budget in June of last year.

The Burkina Faso government has now passed a decree authorising Société de Participation Minière du Burkina Faso (SOPAMIB) to acquire the extra stake.

West African executive chair Richard Hyde said regarding the announcement:

Publication of the Decree removes uncertainty regarding the Government's interest in Kiaka. WAF will proceed to finalise a transaction with SOPAMIB, which we aim to have completed by the end of CY 2026. WAF plans to distribute the cash proceeds received from the sale of its interest in Kiaka back to shareholders by way of a special dividend. Our discussions with SOPAMIB have been extensive and robust. During these discussions, we have also explored opportunities for a mutually beneficial long-term partnership on advanced gold projects within SOPAMIB's current portfolio.

West African Resources said its Sanbrado and Toega operations are not the subject of a request for additional participation by the Government and are not referred to in the Decree.

Mr Hyde added that the company would release its quarterly activities and cash flow reports later this week, "which are anticipated to report a record high cash position for WAF''.

West African Resources shares were marginally higher, up 2.9% in early trade, before settling back to be 1.7% lower at $3.38.

The company is valued at $3.93 billion.

Long term growth

West African Resources announced in late March that it had a strong production profile over the next decade, built around its African operations.

Mr Hyde said at the time:

WAF's updated 10-year production outlook forecasts the production of 5.3 million ounces of gold over the next decade, with production peaking in 2030 at 596,000 ounces. Our unhedged Mineral Resources now stand at 13.6 million ounces of gold, while Ore Reserves total 7.0 million ounces. We see potential to improve annual production further through our ongoing drilling programs where we plan to drill more than 100,000m annually targeting extensions at M5 South underground, beneath M5 North open-pit and Toega underground. Our 2026 10-year production plan highlights WAF's strong and sustainable long-term future.

The company added that its Sanbrado and Kiaka projects, along with surrounding exploration licenses, had "strong potential" for new discoveries and extensions of existing resources.

The post Why are West African Resources shareholders celebrating today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

West African shares closed yesterday trading for $3.38. In morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for $3.31 apiece, down 2.2%. That gives the gold miner a market cap of approximately $3.8 billion.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.1% at this same time, while the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down a steeper 3.2% amid concerns that the nascent ceasefire in the Iran war may not hold for long.

That's seen oil prices rebound and gold prices dip overnight, as a prolonged war will stoke inflation and likely lead to higher interest rates. Gold, and by connection ASX 200 gold stocks like West African Resources, tend to perform better in a low or falling interest rate environment.

Despite today's dip, West African shares remain up an index smashing 59.1% since this time last year.

Here's what else ASX investors are mulling over today.

ASX 200 gold stock on track to meet guidance

Before market open today, West African released a preliminary production update for the March quarter (Q1 2026). The update covers both its Sanbrado and Kiaka gold production centres, located in Burkina Faso.

Over the three months to 31 March, the ASX 200 gold stock reported total gold production of 107,728 ounces. The miner sold 104,145 ounces of gold during this period, receiving an average realised price of US$4,945 per ounce.

Breaking that down across its two centres, Sanbrado produced 42,024 ounces of gold, while Kiaka produced 65,704 ounces of gold.

Management said that open-pit mining at Sanbrado continued to ramp up during the quarter. And open-pit mining at Kiaka achieved an 18% increase in mined ounces compared to the December quarter.

West African shares may be outperforming the broader ASX gold sector today, with the miner reaffirming it is on track to achieve its full calendar-year 2026 production guidance of 430,000 to 490,000 ounces of gold.

What did West African Resources management say?

Commenting on the March results that have yet to lift the ASX 200 gold stock today, West African Resources CEO Richard Hyde said:

With quarterly production of 107,728 ounces gold from our two large low-cost gold production centres of Sanbrado and Kiaka in Burkina Faso, WAF is well on-track to achieve 2026 annual production guidance of 430,000 – 490,000 ounces of gold.

I look forward to releasing our full quarterly activities report in the coming weeks.

The post Up 59% in a year, why is this $3.8 billion ASX 200 gold stock sinking today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It was a positive announcement, though it led the team at Macquarie to slightly lower its price target for the company.

They are still bullish on the stock, however, and think investors can make serious gains over the next 12 months.

We'll get to the details of their share price target shortly.

Firstly, what did West African Resources announce?

Strong production profile

The company said its ore reserves had increased to seven million ounces of gold, which would underpin 5.3 million ounces of gold production from 2026 to 2035.

West African Executive Chair Richard Hyde said there could be further upside:

WAF's updated 10-year production outlook forecasts the production of 5.3 million ounces of gold over the next decade, with production peaking in 2030 at 596,000 ounces. Our unhedged Mineral Resources now stand at 13.6 million ounces of gold, while Ore Reserves total 7.0 million ounces. We see potential to improve annual production further through our ongoing drilling programs where we plan to drill more than 100,000m annually targeting extensions at M5 South underground, beneath M5 North open-pit and Toega underground. Our 2026 10-year production plan highlights WAF's strong and sustainable long-term future.

The company said its Sanbrado and Kiaka projects, along with surrounding exploration licenses, had "strong potential" for new discoveries and extensions of existing resources.

The company added:

Current efforts are focused on near mine exploration to maximise value from our operating assets, where mineralisation remains open at depth. West African plans to further expand its owner operated drilling fleet in 2026 with the purchase of two additional surface diamond rigs to accelerate resource and reserve growth.

Shares looking cheap

The analyst team at Macquarie ran the ruler over this week's announcement and said that the production forecast was in line with consensus estimates.

However, they said that the higher overall production over the next 10 years was offset by higher expected costs across the operations.

They said the company had also hinted at paying a dividend, so they had factored a 10-cent per share dividend into their calculations on the company's shares.

Macquarie has a 12-month price target of $4.50 on West African shares, which they reduced by 10 cents from $4.60, compared with the current share price of $3.37.

That would be a return of 33.5% if achieved.

The post After new production guidance, how high could this ASX gold stock go? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is up 3.5% to $8.41. This morning, the annuities company welcomed APRA's announcement on the final changes to capital standard settings for providers of longevity products. It believes these are "an important step in developing Australia's retirement income market and will support greater take up of lifetime income products as an increasing number of Australians retire every year." Challenger is working through the details of the changes and plans to provide an update at its investor day event in May.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is up over 2% to $9.76. This morning, the fund manager announced that it raised $20 million from its share purchase plan (SPP). The company advised that the SPP was significantly oversubscribed. It received valid applications totalling $129.4 million from 5,195 eligible shareholders. Approximately 2,366,548 new Magellan shares will be issued at $8.45 per share. The new shares will hit the ASX boards on 2 April.

Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST)

The Northern Star share price is up 4.5% to $20.39. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of UBS. This morning, the broker upgraded Northern Star's shares to a buy rating (from sell) with a trimmed price target of $24.70 (from $28.00). UBS made the move on valuation grounds following a significant share price decline since the release of a disappointing operational update. While the broker feels that near-term market estimates are still optimistic, it sees value in Northern Star's shares at current levels.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

The West African Resources share price is up 4% to $3.18. This morning, the gold miner released its FY 2026 guidance. It is targeting up to 490,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) under US$1,900 per ounce. It also laid out its plans for the next 10 years, which will see it aim to average production of 533,000 ounces per annum. West African's executive chair and CEO, Richard Hyde, commented: "WAF's updated 10-year production outlook forecasts the production of 5.3 million ounces of gold over the next decade, with production peaking in 2030 at 596,000 ounces. Our unhedged Mineral Resources now stand at 13.6 million ounces of gold, while Ore Reserves total 7.0 million ounces."

The post Why Challenger, Magellan, Northern Star, and West African Resources shares are storming higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

West African Resources shares closed yesterday trading for $3.05. In late morning trade on Tuesday, shares are swapping hands for $3.09 apiece, up 1.3%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is down 0.2% at this same time, while the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) is down 0.3%.

Here's why West African shares are outperforming today.

(* Note, all figures below in US dollars unless otherwise specified.)

ASX 200 gold stock lifts on record production outlook

West African shares are outperforming today after the unhedged gold miner released its production guidance for calendar year 2026 and its 10-year production outlook.

As for the year ahead, the ASX 200 gold stock forecasts production of 430,000 ounces to 490,000 ounces of gold. The high end of that guidance represents a 63% increase from the 300,000 ounces of gold West African produced in 2025.

The company expects to produce this gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,900 per ounce.

And with plans to increase its gold resources and extend mine lives, the miner is aiming to drill some 100,000 metres across its Sanbrado and Kiaka assets, both located in Burkina Faso, in 2026.

Amid strong operations, West African Gold said it is also considering share buybacks or declaring a maiden dividend in 2026.

"2026 is set to be a record production year for WAF as we will see a full year of operation from Kiaka for the first time, and another solid year of production from Sanbrado is expected," West African Gold CEO Richard Hyde said.

What's ahead for West African Gold shares?

Looking to the decade ahead, the ASX 200 gold stock released an updated Resources, Reserves and 10‐year production outlook.

West African's Reserves increased to 7 million ounces of gold, while its Mineral Resources increased to 13.7 million ounces of gold.

Over the 10 years from 2026 to 2035, the miner expects to produce 5.3 million ounces of the yellow metal. Annual gold production is forecast to peak at 596,000 ounces in 2030.

And Hyde noted that those production figures could ramp up following ongoing exploration.

He said:

We see potential to improve annual production further through our ongoing drilling programs where we plan to drill more than 100,000 metres annually targeting extensions at M5 South underground, beneath M5 North open-pit and Toega underground.

Despite the March retrace following the onset of the Iran war and resulting decline in global gold prices, shares in the ASX 200 gold stock remain up 32% in 12 months.

The post Guess which ASX 200 gold stock is lifting off today on record breaking news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did West African Resources report?

• 2026 group gold production guidance: 430,000–490,000 ounces (up from 300,000 ounces in 2025)
• Group AISC guidance: under US$1,900/oz
• Kiaka mine forecast: 240,000–280,000 ounces of gold
• Sanbrado mine forecast: 190,000–210,000 ounces of gold
• Planned exploration drilling: over 100,000 metres across key sites in 2026
• Potential dividend and/or share buybacks under consideration for H2 2026

What else do investors need to know?

West African Resources is forecasting 2026 to be its strongest year yet, following the first full year of Kiaka operations and ongoing strong output from Sanbrado. The company is planning significant investment in exploration, with more than US$15–$22 million allocated to expand resources and extend mine life across its sites.

Capital management is a focus, with the board considering options such as early debt repayments and returning capital to shareholders through dividends or share buybacks, depending on free cash flow generation. The company is also managing operating cost risks, including royalties linked to gold price and potentially higher fuel costs.

What did West African Resources management say?

Executive Chairman and CEO Richard Hyde said:

2026 is set to be a record production year for WAF as we will see a full year of operation from Kiaka for the first time, and another solid year of production from Sanbrado is expected. We are guiding WAF gold production from 430,000 to 490,000 ounces in 2026 at an AISC less than US$1,900/oz. WAF is on an exciting growth trajectory, and we continue to create value through the drill-bit with a US$20 million exploration budget and more than 100,000m of drilling planned at our Sanbrado and Kiaka production centres and surrounding exploration areas in 2026.

What's next for West African Resources?

Looking ahead, West African Resources aims to grow annual gold production beyond 500,000 ounces, supported by active exploration and development at both Kiaka and Sanbrado. Key projects for 2026 include continued mine development, plant upgrades, and infrastructure investment to support reliable operations and long-term profitability.

The company is also reviewing its capital management approach, with the potential for dividends and/or share buybacks after its 2026 half-year result, as free cash flow permits.

West African Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, West African Resources shares have risen 31%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 8% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post West African Resources: 2026 production guidance forecasts record gold output appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's have a look at who they like.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

The Barrenjoey team has published a research note on this company with the title "Cash harvest in 2026", which gives some indication of how positive they are on the stock.

They note that after a "challenging" 2025, the company enters 2026 in a net cash position, "with its two key assets humming and on track to produce 475,000 ounces at an all in sustaining cost of US$1,991 per ounce on our estimates''.

The Barrenjoey team went on to say:

The shares have traded down 30% since January and are now imputing an almost unbelievable 43% free cash flow yield in 2026 with the potential to deliver a dividend yield exceeding 10%. Uncertainty around the government's request to purchase a stake in Kiaka remains unresolved, but the shares are now pricing in a scenario materially worse than the recently reported additional 25%. We expect the business will deliver $1.1bn in free cash flow this year, and will be in a strong position to make material capital returns to shareholders.

Barrenjoey says their price target is based on a "worst case scenario" regarding what stake in the Kiaka mine the Burkina Faso Government opts to take.

Barrenjoey has a $4.80 price target for West African Resources shares, compared with $2.89 currently.

If achieved, that would represent a return of 66.1%. West African Resources is valued at $3.46 billion.

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU)

This company announced just this week that it had sold its 70% stake in the Meyas Sand Project in Sudan to a Chinese company for US$260 million, which Barrenjoey said was about 50% more than Perseus paid for it.

Barrenjoey said the transaction was a net positive, as it had the asset on the books as worth $118 million, "given the ongoing civil war in Sudan and uncertainty around Perseus's ability to develop it''.

The Barrenjoey analysts point out that Perseus shares are down 20% from their January peak, ''since which time management has announced the doubling of Reserves at Nyanzaga, realised value at Meyas Sand and positioned the company for improved capital returns in 2026''.

The Barrenjoey analysts added:

We view Perseus as the highest-quality ASX-listed African gold exposure, with its history of operational excellence and geographic diversification typically driving a healthy premium over its ASX listed African gold peers.

They said that the company should be in a position to "meaningfully" lift its full-year dividend following the Sudan sale.

Barrenjoey has increased its price target for Perseus from $6.50 to $6.80, compared with $4.80 currently.

The post 2 ASX gold miners to buy for solid share price gains, according to Barrenjoey appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After starting strong this morning, the ASX 200 took a brief dip into negative territory in afternoon trading. But investors' feet warmed back up by the time the markets closed, with the index lifting 0.36% to 8,614.3 points.

This happier trading session came after a bullish start to the American trading week in the early hours of this morning.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) rose by an optimistic 0.83%.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) fared even better, gaining a solid 1.22%.

But let's return to the ASX now and take stock of how the various ASX sectors enjoyed (or not) today's renewed sense of optimism.

The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF)

The Challenger share price is up 2.5% to $7.87. This follows news that the annuities company has amended its takeover offer for Pepper Money Ltd (ASX: PPM). Challenger has reduced the offer price from $2.60 per share to $2.25 per share, less the final fully franked Pepper Money 2025 dividend of 7.8 cents per share and any special dividend. It notes that the revised proposal represents Challenger's best and final offer, in the absence of a superior proposal. The company also reminded investors that discussions remain incomplete and there is no certainty that the revised proposal will lead to a transaction. Pepper Money's independent board committee advised that it will consider the revised proposal.

Meeka Metals Ltd (ASX: MEK)

The Meeka Metals share price is up 4% to 17.2 cents. This morning, the gold miner revealed that it is upgrading its processing facilities to unlock ~200ktpa of additional mill capacity. This increases throughput to ~800ktpa. Meeka's managing director, Tim Davidson, said: "Ore sorting unlocks an additional 200,000 tonnes per annum of milling capacity and effectively doubles the head grade of Andy Well ore entering the plant, delivering a meaningful increase in annual gold production."

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan Energy share price is up 1% to $3.01. This has been driven by an announcement from the lithium developer which revealed that it has been issued its first lithium production permit for the flagship Lionheart Project. This is the first such licence to be granted in the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field, and in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Vulcan's managing director and CEO, Cris Moreno, commented: "Securing the first lithium production licence within the Lionheart Project marks another important milestone, and we thank the Mining Authority in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate for their excellent and timely collaboration during this process."

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

The West African Resources share price is up 6% to $2.95. This follows the release of the gold miner's full-year results. West African Resources reported revenue of $1.54 billion and a net profit after tax of $567 million. This was underpinned by gold sales of 280,065 ounces with an average realised price of US$3,525 per ounce and all-in sustaining costs of US$1,488 per ounce.

The post Why Challenger, Meeka Metals, Vulcan Energy, and West African Resources shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

West African Resources shares closed yesterday trading for $2.78. In early morning trade on Tuesday, shares are changing hands for $2.91 apiece, up 4.7%, giving the miner a market cap of some $3.3 billion.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.5% at this same time on Tuesday.

Here's what's grabbing investor interest.

ASX 200 gold stock lifts off on 130% profit boost

Investors are bidding up the West African Resources share price following the release of the miner's 2025 calendar year results.

Over the 12 months, the ASX 200 gold stock raked in $1.54 billion in revenue.

Gold production increased by 45.4% to 300,383 ounces, up from 206,622 ounces in 2024.

Costs were up too, with the miner reporting an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,488 per ounce, up 20% from the US$1,240 AISC the prior year.

The year saw West African achieve gold sales of 280,065 ounces, with the miner receiving an average price of US$3,525 an ounce for the yellow metal.

With production and sales up, the ASX 200 gold stock saw its operating cash flow surge to $790 million, up 213.5% from $252 million in 2024.

Year end gold reserves fell to 6.2 million ounces, from 6.5 million ounces a year ago.

And on the bottom line, West African Resources revealed a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $567 million, up 130.5% from the 2024 NPAT of $246 million.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results helping lift the ASX 200 gold stock today, West African Resources CEO Richard Hyde said, "We finished 2025 in a strong financial position, with $584 million cash and net assets of $1.76 billion on our balance sheet."

Hyde continued:

Sanbrado continued its solid performance in 2025, generating $1.1 billon of revenue from 205,517 ounces gold sold unhedged at an average realised price of $5,283 an ounce (US$3,407/oz). During its first five months of operational ramp-up, Kiaka generated $445 million of revenue from 74,548 ounces gold, sold unhedged at an average realised price of $5,971 an ounce (US$3,850/oz)…

WAF, as an unhedged gold producer is now incredibly well-positioned, particularly at the prevailing gold price levels, to significantly increase group profits and cash flows in 2026. We aim to maintain this for the next 10+ years from our two long-life major gold production centres of Sanbrado and Kiaka.

What's next for the ASX 200 gold stock?

Looking ahead, Hyde said the company is well-placed for another uplift in revenue and operating cash flow in 2026. That growth should be driven by a full year of production from its gold production centres, Sanbrado and Kiaka.

"WAF's strong production performance is expected to continue in 2026," he said.

"We invested significantly in exploration drilling in 2025, and I look forward to releasing our updated Reserves, Resources, and 10-year production target by the end of Q1 2026," Hyde concluded.

The post Why is this $3 billion ASX 200 gold stock leaping higher on Tuesday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did West African Resources report?

• Revenue: $1.54 billion
• Net profit after tax: $567 million
• Profit before tax: $808 million
• Operating cash flow: $790 million
• Gold production: 300,383 ounces at US$1,488/oz AISC
• Gold sales: 280,065 ounces at US$3,525/oz average price

What else do investors need to know?

West African Resources finished 2025 with $584 million in cash and 27,095 ounces of gold bullion, highlighting its strong liquidity position. The company saw a successful ramp-up of its new Kiaka gold production centre, contributing to both output and revenue growth.

Importantly, there were no significant health or safety incidents during the year, and the company implemented an owner-mining model across its open pit operations. West African also increased exploration efforts, aiming for future resource expansion.

What did West African Resources management say?

Executive Chairman and CEO Richard Hyde said:

WAF delivered another year of strong operational and financial performance in 2025, meeting all key objectives including the on-budget construction and ramp-up of Kiaka, continued high-margin gold production from Sanbrado, and implementation of the owner-mining model for the Group's open pit operations. The Group generated A$569M NPAT, A$790M operating cash flow and finished the year with A$584M cash and 27,095 ounces of unsold gold bullion.

What's next for West African Resources?

West African Resources anticipates even higher revenue and operating cash flow in 2026, thanks to a full year of simultaneous production from both Sanbrado and Kiaka. The company plans to publish updated reserves, resources, and a 10-year production target by the end of Q1 2026.

Ongoing investments in exploration drilling could further grow its asset base and long-term production capabilities, positioning the company for sustained performance.

West African Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, West African Resources shares have risen 24%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post West African Resources posts $567m profit as gold production grows appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

What did West African Resources report?

• The Burkina Faso government is considering a draft decree to authorise acquisition of a further 25% equity in Kiaka SA.
• Talks are underway to ensure any changes respect WAF shareholders' and lenders' financial interests.
• Cooperation discussions continue between WAF and government-owned SOPAMIB for new mining projects.
• Operations at Sanbrado and Kiaka mines have continued as normal throughout these engagements.

What else do investors need to know?

WAF confirmed that while the government's interest in Kiaka SA has attracted media attention, there has been no final decision and talks are continuing in a constructive manner. Importantly, the ongoing discussions are focused only on Kiaka SA and do not affect WAF's other projects, like Sanbrado and Toega.

The company highlighted that, through SOPAMIB, the Burkina Faso government is interested in expanding national involvement in mining projects that can create jobs, spur economic benefits, and unlock greater value from the country's resources.

What did West African Resources management say?

Executive Chairman and CEO Richard Hyde said:

We appreciate the constructive engagement and continued support of the Government of Burkina Faso. Our discussions with the Government regarding the ownership structure of Kiaka and the potential for cooperation on new projects have reflected a shared vision to develop a strong and sustainable mining industry that benefits the Burkinabé people and delivers long-term value for all stakeholders. Operations at Sanbrado and Kiaka have continued unaffected throughout this engagement with the Government.

What's next for West African Resources?

West African Resources intends to maintain its collaborative approach in dealings with the Burkina Faso government and SOPAMIB. The main objective is to reach an agreement that balances government interests and provides value for WAF's shareholders and lenders.

Looking ahead, WAF remains committed to growing its mining operations in Burkina Faso. The company also sees opportunities for new joint mining projects with the government, focusing on sustainable industry development and local community benefits.

West African Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the West African Resources shares have risen 109%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post West African Resources provides Burkina Faso government stake update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here are three ASX shares I have my eye on this week.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) 

The ASX biotech share was one of the most-traded stocks on the index last week. The company's shares crashed nearly 17% last week after a soft half-year result and a shock CEO exit saw investors sell-up in panic. The latest downturn is just one of many headwinds the company has faced over the past 6 months. Since August last year its share price has dropped 44.31%. 

But I think the current share price gives investors the opportunity to buy the stock for cheap. The company still has great growth potential and a strong core business. Demand for its biotherapies and vaccines are likely to continue growing globally and its plasma business is still one of the largest plasma collection networks in the world. 

CSL is entering a key investment phase which could help boost its financials. I'd expect that if and when the company's financials pick back up, investor confidence and also the share price could follow suit.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) 

The ASX gold stock has soared over 100% over the past year off the back of strong gold prices and some promising exportation results. I'm impressed with the company's 10-year production plan and current cash and billion reserves. 

The gold price is tipped to beat record-levels again this year as demand for safe-haven assets keeps climbing. And if this happens then robust gold miners like West African Resources could continue outperforming over the next 12 months.

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)

Pro Medicus posted record revenue and surging profits in its half year results last week, but it didn't stop investors fleeing the health imaging ASX company's shares, sending the share price crashing.

The share price drop is surprising given the company's strong financials and the fact that its visage imaging platform is becoming widely adopted across large hospital networks in the US. 

The company is gaining traction with long-term contracts, it has a strong earnings visibility, a growing pipeline of major contract wins, all against a backdrop of radiologist shortages. 

I think the current share price is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to buy the shares at a two-year low, ahead of the next uptick.

The post 3 ASX shares I'd buy with $10,000 this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The rally, driven by a flood of investors fleeing to safe-haven assets amid concerns about global volatility, has been great news for gold miners and producers. In fact, a few have seen their share prices jump 100% or more over the past 12 months alone.

The surging ASX gold stocks

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF) shares have soared 107.76% over the past year, to $3.62 a piece at the time of writing on Tuesday afternoon. The share price spiked to an all-time high in late January. And while the shares have since dropped 7.45%, they're still 17.75% higher for the year to date.

West African Resources shares have rallied particularly strongly this year, boosted by the gold price and promising exportation results. 

It's a very similar story for Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU). While its shares have also surged higher over the past 12 months (up 108.17% at the time of writing), they're still 0.09% lower for the year-to-date.

Again, the miner's shares have been boosted by the rallying gold price and by its strong gold production results posted last month. 

Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU) shares have also climbed 102.16% over the past 12 months. At the time of writing, the shares are trading at $5.62 each, a 0.35% year-to-date decline.

The miner also posted solid gold production and growing cash last month.

Can these ASX gold stocks keep climbing higher?

The price of gold has already hit record‑like levels this year and is expected to remain strong through 2026. Some think the price of gold could go even higher this year if demand for safe-haven assets surges further or volatility risk heightens.

If gold prices stay strong, then ASX gold stocks like West African Resources, Vault Minerals, and Perseus Mining could continue to outperform this year. 

The risk is that these companies are very reliant on gold prices, which means share price growth could be choppy throughout the year. 

Analysts currently have a strong buy rating on West African Resources shares and think the stock could surge another 77.53% this year to $6.40 a piece, at the time of writing.

Forecasts on Perseus Mining shares also imply a huge upside ahead. Most analysts (five out of nine) have a strong buy rating on the stock. The maximum target price is $8.36, which implies a potential 48.95% upside at the time of writing.

It's the same story for Vault Minerals shares, too. Most analysts (eight out of 11) have a buy or strong buy rating on the shares. The maximum target price is $8.70, which implies a potential 59.19% upside for investors at the time of writing.

The post These 3 ASX gold stocks jumped 100% in a year. Is there more upside ahead? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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The company said in a statement to the ASX that significant drilling results beneath the M5 South resource included 28m at 6.1 grams per tonne of gold, 12m at 4.9 grams per tonne, and 8m at 4.7 grams per tonne.

There were also significant results from infill drilling of the inferred resource at M5, which included 22m at 13 grams per tonne of gold and 44m at 5 grams per tonne.

West African Executive Chairman Richard Hyde said the results were encouraging.

WAF's exploration teams have been very active over the last 6 months managing drilling programs at M5 South underground and beneath the M5 North open-pit. Drilling to 400m below the M5 South underground resource has successfully extended the depth of mineralisation returning 28m at 6.1 g/t gold and 12m at 4.9 g/t gold. Drilling 200 to 400m beneath the M5 North open-pit reserve has confirmed potential for WAF to extend open-pit mining at Sanbrado. Thick zones of gold mineralisation have been returned from the current drilling program including 45m at 0.9 g/t gold supporting the previously released 16m at 11.2 g/t gold.

New resource update in train

Mr Hyde said the company was aiming to incorporate an extension to the M5 South underground and the M5 North open-pit into its upcoming mineral resource and ore reserve update and 10-year production outlook, planned for release in the second quarter of calendar year 2026.

West African Resources also published a presentation on Monday, which included a 10-year production target of 4.8 million ounces of gold.

This was based on its current calculated reserves using a conservative gold price of US$1400 for its open pit operations and US$1800 for its underground operations.

The presentation said the priorities for this year would be completing 20,000m of underground drilling at M5, targeting resource growth, 10,000m of drilling at the M5 North open pit, and 13,500m of drilling at its Toega deposit.

The company produced 300,338 ounces of gold in 2025 and was unhedged, enabling it to benefit from the current high gold price.

The company currently holds US$508 million in cash and bullion, the presentation said.

West African Resources shares were 5% higher on Monday at $3.36. The company was valued at $3.66 billion at the close of trade on Friday.

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What did West African Resources report?

• Drilling at M5 South confirmed high-grade gold mineralisation extends 400 metres below the current resource, with a highlight intercept of 28 metres at 6.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold.
• Significant diamond drilling returns at M5 South include: 12m at 4.9 g/t Au, 8m at 4.7 g/t Au, and 5m at 7.2 g/t Au.
• Infill drilling of inferred resources at M5 South returned: 22m at 13 g/t Au, 44m at 5 g/t Au, and 20m at 3.5 g/t Au, among others.
• M5 North drilling continues to deliver consistent results, including 45m at 0.9 g/t Au and 16m at 11.2 g/t Au (previously reported).
• At M1 North, recent drilling returned up to 18m at 3.8 g/t Au and 13m at 5.2 g/t Au, supporting the potential for further pit cutback.

What else do investors need to know?

West African Resources' exploration teams have been busy managing multiple drilling programs at Sanbrado, aiming to convert resources and extend mine life. Current results will feed into an updated Mineral Resource, Ore Reserve, and a revised 10-year production plan to be released in the June 2026 quarter.

The company flagged that its resource conversion and extension efforts continue on schedule, with additional rigs set to join underground drilling as new drill positions become available later this year. Developments at both M5 South underground and M5 North open pit remain focal points.

What did West African Resources management say?

Executive Chairman and CEO Richard Hyde said:

WAF's exploration teams have been very active over the last 6 months managing drilling programs at M5 South underground and beneath the M5 North open-pit.

Drilling to 400m below the M5 South underground resource has successfully extended the depth of mineralisation returning 28m at 6.1 g/t gold and 12m at 4.9 g/t gold.

Drilling 200 to 400m beneath the M5 North open-pit reserve has confirmed potential for WAF to extend open-pit mining at Sanbrado. Thick zones of gold mineralisation have been returned from the current drilling program including 45m at 0.9 g/t gold supporting the previously released 16m at 11.2 g/t gold.

WAF is aiming to incorporate an extension to the M5 South underground and M5 North open-pit in the upcoming Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve update and 10-year production outlook which is planned for release in Q2 2026. We strive to have a robust and sustainable future and to continue making a positive difference to our stakeholders in Burkina Faso.

What's next for West African Resources?

The company is planning further drilling throughout 2026, with a focus on both resource infill and extension. The updated Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates, along with a refreshed production outlook, are expected to incorporate these latest results and drive future mine development.

West African Resources aims to secure a longer mine life and steady production profile at Sanbrado, positioning the business for ongoing sustainability and potential growth in the region.

West African Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, West African Resources shares have risen 82%, significantly outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which was risen 3% over the same period.

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The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

West African Resources shares closed yesterday trading for $3.71. In early morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $3.81 apiece, up 2.7%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.3% at this same time.

With today's intraday boost factored in, West African Resources shares are now up a whopping 138.1% over 12 months. And if the miner can hold onto these gains until close, today will mark a new record high for the stock.

Like gold miners the world over, the ASX 200 gold stock has enjoyed brisk tailwinds from the surging gold price. Gold leapt another 3.4% overnight to be trading for US$5,180 per ounce. This sees the gold price up 89% since this time last year.

Here's what else is boosting the West African Resources share price today.

ASX 200 gold stock jumps to record high on results

ASX investors are bidding up West African shares today following the release of the miner's December quarter results.

With December's results in, the ASX 200 gold stock confirmed that it met its full calendar year 2025 cost and gold production guidance, marking the fifth consecutive year the miner has met its full-year guidance.

Highlights from the December quarter include gold production of 112,019 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,561 per ounce.

West African Resources sold 105,995 ounces of gold over the three months, receiving an average price of US$4,058 per ounce. Importantly, in this rising gold price environment, the ASX 200 gold stock remains fully unhedged.

In other key financial metrics, fourth-quarter cash flow from operating activities came in at AU$389 million, after AU$48 million in income tax payments.

As at 31 December, West African had a cash balance of AU$584 million along with AU$177 million of unsold gold bullion.

What did management say?

Commenting on the quarterly results sending the ASX 200 gold stock into new record territory today, West African CEO Richard Hyde said:

For the full year 2025, Sanbrado produced 205,228 ounces of gold at a site sustaining cost of US$1,348 per ounce, achieving annual production guidance of 190,000 to 210,000 ounces at a site sustaining cost of under US$1,350 per ounce.

Considering the strong rise in the gold price during 2025 significantly increased royalty costs, this was another outstanding annual result for Sanbrado and the fifth consecutive year of either meeting or beating guidance…

WAF group produced 300,383 ounces of gold in 2025 and achieved annual guidance of 290,000 to 360,000 ounces.

West African Resources will release its 2026 annual production guidance and outline its capital management strategy later in the first quarter of 2026.

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What did West African Resources report?

• Operating cash inflow: $388.6 million for the quarter; $789.7 million for the year to date
• Ending cash and cash equivalents: $584.1 million at 31 December 2025
• Payments to suppliers and employees: $229.3 million for the quarter; $616.7 million for the year to date
• Capital expenditure (property, plant, equipment): $112.9 million for the quarter; $430.0 million for the year
• Borrowings: $24.3 million proceeds raised; $27.9 million repayments in the quarter
• No dividends announced during the quarter

What else do investors need to know?

West African Resources has a robust financial position, with total available funding of $584.1 million at quarter end. The group increased its cash balance significantly over the quarter, highlighting strong operating performance and ongoing cash generation.

The company continues to invest in property, plant, and equipment, supporting its production operations. Financing activity included both the drawing and repayment of borrowings during the quarter, with major secured loans arranged through Sprott Resource Lending Corp and Coris Bank International SA, as well as unsecured equipment finance.

What's next for West African Resources?

Looking ahead, West African Resources appears well-funded to support further production and possible expansion projects, with no indication of funding shortfalls. The company's consistent cash flows from its mining operations offer a foundation for ongoing site development and potential new exploration activities.

Investors will likely watch for future updates on production volumes, expansion projects, or any material changes in capital allocation as the company builds on its strong cash position.

West African Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, West African Resources shares have risen 132%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.

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