Here's how experts view Whitehaven Coal and BHP shares after full year results
As earnings season continues, investors were hit with full-year results from two of Australia's most recognisable mining companies.
There is plenty to unpack from the results, and brokers have quickly updated their outlook on Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares following the release.
What did Whitehaven Coal and BHP report?
Highlights from BHP's full-year results included a record US$32.9 billion underlying EBITDA (up 27%) and US$8.7 billion in dividends for shareholders.
BHP maintained strong operational performance across its key segments, with copper now accounting for 54% of group EBITDA, and iron ore at record production.
Underlying attributable profit was US$13.2 billion, up 30%, while Net operating cash flow hit US$21.8 billion, up 17%.
BHP shares were essentially flat following these results.
Meanwhile, Whitehaven Coal posted revenue of $5,401 million, down 7% on FY25.
Net profit after tax (NPAT) attributable to members was $385 million, down 41%.
Underlying NPAT of $227 million was down 29% and underlying EBITDA of $1,250 million was down 8%
The company announced a final fully-franked dividend of 6 cents per share.
View the original announcements here:
What are experts saying about BHP shares?
Following the results, the team at Morgans provided commentary on BHP shares.
The broker said it was a solid FY26 result.
With an upsized final dividend of US 99cps, against a share price that appears to already factor in more upside, we lower our rating to TRIM. Metal prices were a key driver, but BHP also maintained a solid operating performance on controllable factors against a tough backdrop in FY26.
BHP shares have flown higher in recent months, and are up almost 40% year to date.
Morgan Stanley had a recent share price target of $67 on the mining giant.
This indicates it is hovering close to fair value.
What are experts saying about Whitehaven Coal shares?
Following the full-year results announcement, Bell Potter provided updated guidance on Whitehaven Coal shares.
Whitehaven Coal's FY26 underlying result was below Bell Potter's expectations, with EBITDA of $1.25 billion and NPAT of $227 million, although the balance sheet remains sound with $0.8 billion of cash and $1.6 billion of net debt.
Shareholder returns were strong at $159 million, including a 6 cent per share fully-franked final dividend and an equal allocation to the buyback.
However, the broker saw FY27 guidance was underwhelming.
Based on this guidance, the broker has a hold rating on the mining stock, along with a reduced price target of $7.50.
From yesterday's closing price, this indicates the stock is currently trading close to fair value.
We maintain a Hold recommendation. In the medium term, WHC are positioned to capitalise when coal markets sustainably improve with a diversified portfolio of assets in Queensland and New South Wales and strong organic growth optionality.
The post Here's how experts view Whitehaven Coal and BHP shares after full year results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.
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