Half Year Financial Results Summary - H1 FY26
Half Year Financial Results Summary - H1 FY26 |
| [25-February-2026] |
PERTH, Western Australia, Feb. 26, 2026 /CNW/ - Westgold Resources Limited (ASX: WGX) (TSX: WGX) (Westgold or the Company) is pleased to report its financial results1 for the half-year ended 31 December 2025. Additional information is provided in the Appendix 4D, FY26 Half Year Financial Results released today. Highlights for H1 FY26
Westgold Managing Director and CEO Wayne Bramwell commented: "Our H1 FY26 results demonstrate robust performance and reflect the financial and operational capabilities of Westgold's business. Over the past three years, we have strategically allocated capital across our portfolio to position the company to more consistently deliver financial returns to our shareholders, a decision that is now producing tangible benefits. As an unhedged gold producer operating within a strong market environment, we delivered record returns for shareholders in H1 FY26. The company is well positioned to continue capitalising on current conditions, with near-term growth anticipated in the upcoming half and further expansion detailed in our Three-Year Outlook through FY28. Our outlook is supported by a defined strategy: to enhance and optimise outputs from our core assets while identifying opportunities to create additional value for shareholders from select non-core projects throughout the portfolio. Growth in the Murchison region will be driven by the expansion of the Bluebird–South Junction mine at Meekatharra and the commencement of commercial production at the Great Fingall mine near Cue. In the Southern Goldfields, growth will come from the expansion of the Beta Hunt mine and the Higginsville processing hub. In regard to value creation from non-core projects, the recently announced Mt Henry–Selene transaction has immediately benefited shareholders. The share consideration increased from $64.6 million to $110 million, reflecting the appreciation of Westgold's 19.9% stake in Alicanto upon completion. The Valiant IPO remains scheduled to commence trading on the ASX in March, and divestments of the Chalice and Peak Hill assets are progressing as planned. We remain focused on consistently delivering against our objectives. With momentum building and clearly defined targets in our three-year outlook, our FY26 production and cost guidance remain unchanged." H1 FY26 Key Consolidated Results
In H1 FY26, Westgold produced 170koz at an AISC of $2,871/oz from ore mined from its own assets. Westgold also benefited from an ore purchase agreement (OPA) with New Murchison Gold which contributed an additional 25koz of production at an AISC of $5,644/oz in the half year. Whilst comparatively lower margin, the OPA resulted in an additional cash inflow of $15M for the period. Combined, Westgold's consolidated group production for the half year was 195,355oz at an AISC of $3,225/oz, representing a 23% increase in gold production compared to the prior corresponding period (pcp). The increased production combined with higher achieved gold prices ($5,877/oz vs $3,910/oz in the pcp) resulted in a record half year revenue of $1,238M compared to $624M in the pcp. The reported AISC/oz of $2,871/oz for the period exclusive of the OPA, represents an 12% increase compared to the H1 FY25 Group AISC of $2,562/oz. AISC in the Murchison was higher due to increased mining and development activity from the expansion of Bluebird South Junction and mining at Great Fingall. In the Southern Goldfields, AISC increased due to higher levels of development at Beta Hunt, positioning the operation for a ramp up in production in H2 FY26. The higher gold price also drove a $67/oz increase in AISC due to higher royalty payments. The strong AISC margins led to record underlying EBITDA of $612M and a competitive underlying EBITDA margin 49%. This resulted in a record underlying net profit before tax of $447M and a record underlying net profit after tax of $314M. Statutory earnings were impacted predominantly by a one-off, non-cash loss of $178M ($125M after tax) on the sale of Mt Henry-Selene3, resulting in a statutory profit before income tax of $271M and a statutory net profit after tax of $191M. Whilst the impact of the sale of Mt Henry-Selene to earnings were non-cash, its important to note that the sale generated immediate real cash inflows of $15M and approximately $65M in Alicanto shares (representing a 19.9% strategic stake), and up to $30M in deferred consideration payable in cash or shares upon the achievement of agreed project milestones. Westgold's strong profitability allowed the Company to deliver an underlying Treasury build of $550M for the half, before paying $50M to close out outstanding debt, $76M in stamp duty for the Karora transaction, $129M in growth and exploration, $29M dividends and share buy backs, $2M in third party shares purchases and receipt of $26M in cash inflow for asset sales. This enabled Westgold to bolster its robust balance sheet, closing the period with a record Treasury balance of $654M. Westgold's strategic portfolio includes multiple processing plants and large, long life underground mines that host numerous highly accretive internal growth opportunities. The Company invested $136M in H1 FY26 towards these opportunities in mine development, property, plant, equipment, and exploration. This investment is focused on building upon the robustness of the asset base, improving the delivery of consistent production and ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability for the Company. Westgold's Board has not elected to pay an interim dividend for H1 FY26. The Company maintains its dividend policy which seeks to pay out an annual minimum dividend of 2 cents per share, up to 30% of free cash flow. This decision reflects Westgold's commitment to maintaining a balanced approach between investing in near-term growth options and maintaining balance sheet strength to deliver shareholder returns. The company's share buyback remains active and will continue to purchase on market subject to trading restrictions.
This announcement is authorised for release to the ASX by the Board. SOURCE Westgold Resources Limited | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Company Codes: Australia:WGX,Toronto:WGX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||













