As of the close on Friday, $S&P/ASX 200(XJO.AU)$ closed at 8,871.20 on Friday, down 0.87% in the past 5 days.
1. $NORTHERN STAR RESOURCES LTD(NST.AU)$ +7.16%
The spot price of gold reached record highs, surpassing $3,500 per ounce and even touching $3,535 per ounce. This general rally in gold prices significantly benefited major ASX-listed gold producers like NST.
The company reported robust financial results for the fiscal year. Sales surged to A$6.4 billion, and net income more than doubled. Furthermore, management announced an increase in the ordinary dividend to A$0.30 per share, signaling confidence in its ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns, which attracted investor interest.
With a positive overall outlook for the gold sector driven by factors like expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, contributed to positive market sentiment.
2. $Infratil(IFT.AU)$ +6.25%
Heightened investor interest in Data Center Assets driven by AI boom, Infratil is a key beneficiary of this trend . The soaring demand for AI infrastructure has put a spotlight on data center operators, making companies like Infratil attractive to investors seeking exposure to this growth sector .
Analysis from firms like Macquarie identified Infratil as a top ASX 200 data center stocks, there were consensus "Buy" recommendations from analysts with a positive 12-month price target .
The entire data center sector is experiencing robust demand growth in Australia. Infratil, through CDC, is well-positioned to benefit from this structural demand as a key player providing capacity for government and cloud clients like $Microsoft(MSFT)$ .
3. $EVOLUTION MINING LTD(EVN.AU)$ +6.13%
The spot price of gold reached unprecedented levels, as a major gold producer, Evolution Mining's revenue and profitability prospects are directly boosted by higher gold prices, making its shares more attractive to investors.
The company reported a record net statutory profit of $926 million for FY25, representing a 119% increase year-over-year. This exceptional financial result, driven by strong operational performance and favorable metal prices, likely reinforced investor confidence in the stock.
The entire gold sector experienced positive momentum due to the robust gold price environment. This broader trend, combined with Evolution Mining's specific strengths, likely led to increased investor interest.
4. $MERIDIAN ENERGY LTD(MEZ.AU)$ +5.45%
After a period of decline, the stock showed signs of stabilization. This price area may have attracted buyers looking for a potential technical rebound from recent lows, contributing to short-term upward momentum.
Meridian Energy offered a dividend yield of 9.16%. This high yield likely made the stock attractive to income-focused investors, particularly in a market environment where stable returns were sought after.
As New Zealand's largest energy supplier focused on clean and renewable energy (hydroelectric, wind power), the company was well-positioned to benefit from sustained investor interest in the ESG and sustainable energy sector.
5. $NEWMONT CORP-CDI(NEM.AU)$ +3.87%
The spot price of gold reached unprecedented levels, trading above $3,300 per ounce. As the world's largest gold miner, Newmont's revenue and profitability are directly boosted by higher gold prices.
The company announced an additional $3 billion share repurchase program, bringing its total authorization to $6 billion. This aggressive capital return signaled strong confidence in its business and commitment to shareholders.
Newmont reported Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.43, significantly beating analyst estimates of $1.16. Sales of $5.3 billion also substantially exceeded Wall Street expectations.
The company demonstrated progress in streamlining its portfolio through asset sales and reducing its debt load for five consecutive quarters, which improved its financial flexibility and resilience.
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