Is South32 stock a buy right now?
As of early May 2025, South32 (ASX: S32) is trading around AU$2.83 per share, with a vibrant average daily trading volume of over 9 million shares in recent weeks. Recent headlines reflect a company navigating both operational progress and a competitive global landscape. A major step forward came with environmental approval for the Worsley Mine Development, securing bauxite and alumina production for at least the next decade. Progress at the Hermosa zinc-lead-silver project in Arizona and recovery in Australia Manganese after cyclone-related interruption further illustrate the company’s underlying agility. While technical signals are mixed—short-term moving averages hint at emerging momentum even as longer-term trends remain subdued—analyst sentiment remains constructively optimistic. South32’s net cash position provides vital resilience, enabling continued investment and shareholder returns without stretching the balance sheet. In context, the broader mining sector is increasingly shaped by the global energy transition, driving demand for many of South32’s key commodities such as copper and aluminum. A target price of AU$3.68 reflects the consensus of more than 30 national and international banks, underscoring confidence in medium-term recovery and ongoing sectoral relevance. For investors attentive to both value and growth, South32 presents a case worth close consideration as market sentiment gradually strengthens.
- Well-diversified commodity portfolio spanning base and battery metals
- Improving operational performance at key assets like Mozal and Sierra Gorda
- Net cash position provides financial flexibility for investment and buybacks
- Attractive, fully franked dividend yield currently at 3.53%
- Strategic exposure to the global energy transition and decarbonisation tailwinds
- Short-term earnings remain negative, reflecting recent operational challenges
- Technical outlook shows lingering weakness on medium- and long-term indicators
- What is South32?
- How much is South32 stock?
- Our full analysis on South32 </b>stock
- How to buy South32 stock in Australia?
- Our 7 tips for buying South32 stock
- The latest news about South32
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring the performance of South32 for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of Australians rely on us to make sense of market trends and highlight the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been, and never will be, compensated by South32.
What is South32?
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🏳️ Nationality | Australian | Headquartered in Perth, South32 is strategically vital to Australia’s mining sector. |
| 💼 Market | ASX (Australian Securities Exchange) | Listed on the ASX, South32 offers global exposure to resources from an Australian base. |
| 🏛️ ISIN code | AU000000S320 | The official ISIN code facilitates trading and investor access worldwide. |
| 👤 CEO | Graham Kerr | Graham Kerr’s tenure provides management stability amid ongoing strategic shifts. |
| 🏢 Market cap | AU$12.76 billion | Reflects mid-cap scale; size enables diversification but may hinder swift profit rebound. |
| 📈 Revenue | US$6.21 billion (TTM) | Global operations deliver steady revenues, driven by a diverse portfolio of commodities. |
| 💹 EBITDA | Not disclosed in summary | EBITDA likely impacted by negative earnings; operational challenges and commodity prices hurt margins. |
| 📊 P/E Ratio | Not applicable (negative earnings) | Negative earnings signal recent losses; improvement hinges on commodity price recovery. |
How much is South32 stock?
The price of South32 stock is rising this week. Currently trading at AU$2.83, South32 has gained 2.5% in the past 24 hours and 3.9% over the week, bringing its market capitalisation to AU$12.76 billion. The stock’s average 3-month volume stands at around 12.1 million shares. While the P/E Ratio is not applicable due to recent negative earnings, South32 offers an appealing dividend yield of 3.53% and a stock beta of 0.76, signalling lower volatility than the broader market. Investors should note that while recent stability and dividend yield are attractive, mixed long-term indicators suggest short-term movements may remain unpredictable.
Check out the best brokers in Australia!Compare brokersOur full analysis on South32 stock
Over the past three years, we have meticulously reviewed South32’s financial results and tracked its dynamic stock performance, applying our proprietary blend of data-driven algorithms across the latest financial indicators, technical signals, market trends, and peer benchmarking. This comprehensive approach reveals a nuanced investment story for South32—a globally diversified miner at an inflection point. So, why might South32 stock once again become a strategic entry point into the mining and energy transition sector in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
After experiencing pronounced volatility over the past 12 months in tandem with weakening commodity prices, South32’s share price has found renewed stability. As of 2 May 2025, South32 trades at AU$2.83, toward the lower end of its 52-week trading range (AU$2.47 – AU$4.02). The current market capitalisation stands at AU$12.76 billion, underpinned by resilient demand for key portfolio commodities such as copper, aluminum, and manganese.
Key recent events have started to tilt sentiment back in favour of South32:
- Production Beating Guidance: The March 2025 quarter saw copper production surge 18% and aluminum output climb 6% year-to-date, with Mozal Aluminium returning to near full capacity.
- Operational Recovery: After operational disruptions, Australia Manganese is on track to resume full exports by Q2 2025.
- Capital Management: A net cash position rising to US$252 million and an ongoing share buy-back (US$42 million completed, US$158 million yet to deploy) signal underlying financial resilience.
- Dividend Dynamism: The fully franked yield of 3.53% stands out in the sector, generating steady returns even amid earnings volatility.
- Sectoral Context: Miners have faced broad challenges from commodity price correction and operational headwinds in 2024, but the sector outlook for the remainder of 2025 is shifting, with global growth expectations recovering, supply constraints easing, and the energy transition driving renewed demand for South32’s core products.
These elements combine to create a favourable context for investors seeking exposure to resources leveraged to a global shift toward electrification, infrastructure development, and low-carbon technology.
Technical Analysis
South32’s technical profile illustrates both the challenges of the recent downtrend and meaningful signs of short-term stabilization:
- Momentum Indicators:
- RSI (14) at 45.41 reflects a neutral stance, suggesting the stock is neither overbought nor oversold and primed for a directional move.
- MACD (-0.13) threatens a sell signal, but recent flattening hints at waning downside momentum.
- ADX (28.56) indicates a moderately strong trend, but further movement above 30 would validate a new directional leg.
- Oscillators:
- Williams %R at -13.79 points to short-term overbought levels (potential for a minor correction), while the CCI at 42.05 remains neutral.
- Moving Averages:
- Short-term (5-, 10-, 20-day) moving averages signal bullish momentum (all above current price and “Buy” rated), highlighting a recovery from recent lows.
- The longer-term (50-, 100-, 200-day) averages continue to reside above the share price—registering as “Sell”—and mapping the residual impact of the previous downtrend.
- Support and Resistance:
- Robust support at AU$2.74, AU$2.72, and AU$2.65 provides a strong technical base.
- Immediate resistance targets lie at AU$2.87, AU$2.89, and AU$3.04—levels that, if breached, would confirm a discernible reversal and potentially catalyze further buying interest.
The convergence of short-term bullish signals against the backdrop of an extended downtrend may be interpreted as the early formation of a bottoming process, with the current price action suggesting an inflection point. This mixture of signals can present an optimal setup for investors prepared to act ahead of a more broad-based technical reversal.
Fundamental Analysis
Despite facing a temporary earnings dip (TTM Net Income: –US$238 million), South32 retains several compelling fundamental strengths:
- Diversified Revenue Base: Fiscal year revenue reached US$6.21 billion, drawing from exposure to aluminum, copper, manganese, and zinc—metals positioned as core inputs for the global energy transition.
- Cash Flow Strength: A robust net cash position (US$252 million) and healthy capital allocation (US$294 million in capex FYTD) de-risk operational commitments and underpin ongoing investments and potential shareholder returns.
- Strategic Growth Initiatives: The ongoing Hermosa project, with the Taylor deposit envisioned as a world-class zinc-lead-silver operation, anchors future production growth. The Worsley Mine Development and ramp-up across aluminium assets reinforce medium- and long-term supply stability.
- Operational Discipline: The restructuring post-Illawarra Metallurgical Coal divestment will create annual cost savings of ~US$30 million from FY26, directly enhancing EBITDA margins.
- Valuation Relevance: South32 is currently trading at a discount both on an EV/EBITDA basis and relative to its five-year price multiples. The negative P/E (following temporary losses) masks the underlying asset value and cash generative capacity, offering prospective bargain hunters a clear rationale for renewed interest.
- Dividend and Buy-Backs: The 3.53% yield (fully franked) is an outlier for the sector, supplemented by a substantial buy-back that supports earnings per share growth and underscores management’s confidence in intrinsic value.
This layered structural strength underscores the stock’s capacity to weather cyclical downturns while positioning itself as a strategic supplier to the accelerating energy transition.
Volume and Liquidity
South32 enjoys robust trading liquidity typical of primary ASX-listed resource majors:
- Sustained Volume: Trading volumes have remained stable, particularly as the stock approached recent support near AU$2.70—a region where incremental buying has consistently emerged. This pattern suggests that institutional and retail investors are actively positioning at technical inflection points.
- Float Dynamics: The sizable free float supports tight bid-ask spreads and dynamic price discovery, enabling tactical investors to enter or scale positions efficiently without undue market impact.
- Buy-Back Support: The ongoing share buy-back injects a natural bid into the order book, further underpinning tradeable support zones and contributing to resilience against volatility.
The confluence of deep liquidity and supportive corporate actions reinforces the case for South32’s stock as a preferred vehicle for diversified portfolio construction in the Australian market.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Several imminent and structural catalysts point to considerable upside potential for South32 over the next 12-24 months:
- Hermosa Project (Taylor Deposit): As construction progresses and the main shaft sinking commences mid-2025, the Hermosa project stands to unlock material resource value—potentially triggering multiple upgrades to consensus price targets.
- Worsley Alumina Expansion: Environmental approvals and mine life extension to FY36 substantiate both volume stability and ESG credentials, with sustainability-focused capital increasingly flowing into such assets.
- Commodity Price Recovery: The consensus view anticipates a cyclical rebound in prices for South32 lever commodities (aluminum, copper, manganese, zinc), driven by infrastructure, decarbonisation, and constrained global supply.
- Divestments and Streamlining: The potential sale of Cerro Matoso (low/mid-grade nickel) and Illawarra divestment streamline the asset base and improve operational focus.
- Cost and Efficiency Enhancements: Post-restructuring, lowered operating costs and enhanced margin discipline materially position South32 ahead of competitors on the cost curve.
- ESG and Green Transition: With responsible mining practices and a cleaner energy supply push—including the pursuit of a new energy agreement for Mozal Aluminium—South32 is well-aligned for capital inflows from ESG-focused funds.
- Shareholder Returns: The active capital management program (buy-back plus dividend) provides multi-dimensional support for total shareholder returns.
Together, these growth drivers establish a clear path for valuation re-rating and reinforce a compelling case for South32’s inclusion as a core holding for investors seeking exposure to the future of metals and global decarbonisation.
Investment Strategies
Both tactical and strategic investors will find several viable paths to engagement with South32, driven by identifiable technical, fundamental, and thematic entry points.
- Short-Term Positioning:
- Technical Low Entry: With strong support now cemented around AU$2.70–2.74, short-term traders may see opportunity in a technical bounce toward first resistance at AU$2.87 or even AU$3.04.
- Event-Driven Catalyst: Imminent operational updates (Australia Manganese recovery, Hermosa project milestones) have a demonstrated history of generating rapid outperformance.
- Medium-Term Investment:
- Ahead of Key Catalysts: The next wave of equity value could be realised as the Hermosa and Worsley projects achieve new commissioning milestones and as consensus earnings estimates adjust upward in response.
- Rising Commodity Tailwind: A forecasted upturn in energy transition commodity prices can provide sustained earnings momentum and a rationale for mid-horizon portfolio exposure.
- Long-Term Strategy:
- Structural Megatrends: South32’s portfolio of future-facing commodities offers direct leverage to themes such as electrification, infrastructure renewal, and sustainable resource management.
- Re-Invested Dividends: The combination of capital appreciation from a cyclical upturn and consistent dividend reinvestment underpins compounding total returns for patient capital.
The alignment of technical inflection, fundamental value, and powerful thematic drivers suggests the present period is an appealing time for investors to consider building or augmenting exposure, whether by scaling in at current levels or opportunistically adding ahead of major project news.
Is It the Right Time to Buy South32?
In synthesising the above analysis, South32’s key strengths now come to the fore:
- Strategic Assets Linked to Global Megatrends: The company’s product suite directly addresses accelerating demand for metals critical to decarbonisation and electrification agendas.
- Strong Balance Sheet and Capital Management: A rare net cash position and ongoing return of capital initiatives enable both operational flexibility and attractive shareholder returns.
- Undemanding Valuation: Trading near multi-year technical support and at a discount to consensus targets, South32 offers asymmetric risk-reward at present levels. The current price of AU$2.83 versus an average analyst target of AU$3.68 (a potential 30% upside) further reinforces this view.
- Powerful Catalysts on the Horizon: Key asset expansions, operational milestone delivery, and favourable commodity price dynamics stand to unlock significant value in the near to medium term.
- Active and Supportive Market Structure: Ample liquidity, institutional sponsorship, and buy-back activity ensure tradability and further mitigate downside risk.
While prudent investors will always weigh sectoral volatility and operational risk, these are quintessential features of the mining investment universe—and South32 appears fundamentally positioned to turn these risks into enduring opportunity. The current combination of technical bottoming, visible growth levers, and income support suggests that South32 may be entering a new bullish phase that warrants renewed consideration from growth- and income-oriented investors alike.
For those seeking to position capital in companies crucial to the global energy transition, South32’s diversified portfolio, operational resurgence, and compelling valuation seem to represent an excellent opportunity for forward-looking portfolios. As the mining sector begins its next cyclical ascent, South32 may yet prove to be a strategic entry point with significant upside awaiting those prepared to seize the moment.
How to buy South32 stock in Australia?
Buying South32 (ASX: S32) shares online is a straightforward and secure process when you use a regulated broker in Australia. Investors typically choose between two main methods: buying the shares outright (spot buying) or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) that track South32’s share price. Both approaches can be accessed through reputable online platforms, and each provides different risk and reward profiles. To help you make an informed choice, a detailed broker comparison is available further down this page.
Spot Buying
A spot, or cash, purchase means you are buying actual South32 shares on the ASX, holding them in your name. This method is suited to investors seeking direct ownership and potential dividend income. Fees for cash buying usually involve a fixed commission per trade, commonly around AUD $5 to $15 per order, depending on the broker.
Important Example
Example: If South32 is trading at $2.83 per share (AUD), a $1,000 investment (minus a typical $5 brokerage fee) allows you to buy approximately 351 shares ($995 ÷ $2.83 = ~351 shares).
Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10%, your shares would be worth $1,100.
Result: That’s a $100 gross gain, or +10% on your original investment (excluding brokerage fees on any sale).
Trading via CFD
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) allow you to speculate on South32’s price movements without owning the actual shares. This method lets you use leverage, increasing both potential gains and risks. Key fees include the spread (the difference between buy and sell price) as well as overnight financing if you hold positions open past market close.
Important Example
Example: With a $1,000 stake and 5x leverage, you can open a CFD position equivalent to $5,000 worth of South32 shares.
Gain scenario: If South32’s share price rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: That’s a $400 gain on your $1,000 deposit (net of any spreads and financing fees).
Final Advice
Before you invest, it’s important to compare brokers’ fees, trading conditions, and available features to find the best fit for your needs. A comprehensive broker comparison is provided further down the page for your convenience. Whether you choose to buy shares directly for long-term growth, or to trade price movements via CFDs, depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance. Each method offers unique opportunities suited to different investor profiles.
Is AvaTrade reliable?
AvaTrade is a trusted broker, regulated by major institutions, including ASIC (Australia). They are also regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, the AMF in France, and the FSA (Japan). Active since 2006, it offers solid guarantees, including the separation of client funds and strict compliance with international standards. With over 300,000 active users, it inspires confidence in both novice and experienced traders.
Why choose AvaTrade?
AvaTrade combines simplicity and expertise. Tutorials, demo accounts and free training help you learn at your own pace. Advanced tools like MT4/MT5 offer endless possibilities once you progress. You don't need to be an expert: AvaTrade adapts to you.
What are the fees at AvaTrade?
AvaTrade offers simple and affordable fees: competitive fixed spreads, no deposit or withdrawal fees, and avoidable inactivity costs with regular use. You can focus on learning and your investments, without any surprises when you pay.
Who is AvaTrade for?
AvaTrade is for everyone: beginners can benefit from detailed educational content and demo accounts, while advanced traders will find tools like automated trading or Vanilla options. If you're looking for a reliable platform to develop your skills or diversify your assets, AvaTrade is a great choice.
Is AvaTrade reliable?
AvaTrade is a trusted broker, regulated by major institutions, including ASIC (Australia). They are also regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, the AMF in France, and the FSA (Japan). Active since 2006, it offers solid guarantees, including the separation of client funds and strict compliance with international standards. With over 300,000 active users, it inspires confidence in both novice and experienced traders.
Why choose AvaTrade?
AvaTrade combines simplicity and expertise. Tutorials, demo accounts and free training help you learn at your own pace. Advanced tools like MT4/MT5 offer endless possibilities once you progress. You don't need to be an expert: AvaTrade adapts to you.
What are the fees at AvaTrade?
AvaTrade offers simple and affordable fees: competitive fixed spreads, no deposit or withdrawal fees, and avoidable inactivity costs with regular use. You can focus on learning and your investments, without any surprises when you pay.
Who is AvaTrade for?
AvaTrade is for everyone: beginners can benefit from detailed educational content and demo accounts, while advanced traders will find tools like automated trading or Vanilla options. If you're looking for a reliable platform to develop your skills or diversify your assets, AvaTrade is a great choice.
Is IG reliable?
IG is a trustworthy trading platform, regulated by top authorities such as the CFTC and NFA in the United States, ensuring your funds are secure. It has strong measures in place to protect users and guarantees complete transparency. Thousands of clients worldwide vouch for its reliability and security.
Why choose IG?
IG stands out with its user-friendly interface, making it perfect for beginners. It offers unique tools like IG Academy and ProRealTime for learning and market analysis. The platform provides access to a wide range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, along with a strong community for trading discussions.
What are the fees at IG?
IG offers competitive spreads with no commissions on buying stocks or ETFs. Withdrawal fees are transparent, and inactivity fees apply after one year without activity. The platform maintains a clear pricing structure, allowing users to easily understand all costs related to their transactions.
Who is IG for?
IG is perfect for beginner and intermediate traders due to its simple interface and educational resources. It also caters to experienced investors with advanced trading tools. Users have access to a wide variety of assets like stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs, making it suitable for diversifying portfolios.
Is IG reliable?
IG is a trustworthy trading platform, regulated by top authorities such as the CFTC and NFA in the United States, ensuring your funds are secure. It has strong measures in place to protect users and guarantees complete transparency. Thousands of clients worldwide vouch for its reliability and security.
Why choose IG?
IG stands out with its user-friendly interface, making it perfect for beginners. It offers unique tools like IG Academy and ProRealTime for learning and market analysis. The platform provides access to a wide range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, along with a strong community for trading discussions.
What are the fees at IG?
IG offers competitive spreads with no commissions on buying stocks or ETFs. Withdrawal fees are transparent, and inactivity fees apply after one year without activity. The platform maintains a clear pricing structure, allowing users to easily understand all costs related to their transactions.
Who is IG for?
IG is perfect for beginner and intermediate traders due to its simple interface and educational resources. It also caters to experienced investors with advanced trading tools. Users have access to a wide variety of assets like stocks, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs, making it suitable for diversifying portfolios.
Is eToro reliable?
Yes, eToro is a reliable platform, regulated by leading authorities, including ASIC (Australia). It is also regulated by the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Europe). With over 30 million users worldwide, eToro is widely recognised for its security and transparency. Based on our analysis, this broker is among the most reliable in the market, and we have not found any complaints regarding the security of funds.
Why choose eToro?
With eToro, you don’t need to be an expert to get started. Its intuitive interface and unique tool, the CopyTrader, allow you to copy the best traders to learn while investing.
You have access to thousands of assets, such as stocks, cryptos, Forex and commodities, all with an active community for exchanging ideas: eToro makes investing simple, interactive and educational. It's a bit like the Spotify of investing.
What are the fees at eToro?
eToro is transparent about its fees: no commission on the purchase of stocks or ETFs. Spreads vary depending on the asset, but remain very affordable.
Deposits are free, and withdrawals are set at $5 USD. In the event that you remain inactive for 12 months or more, a $10 USD monthly fee applies.
Finally, the fees charged are also clearly stated on its website (we can't say the same about all competitors).
Who is eToro for?
eToro is mainly for beginners and intermediates, thanks to its simplicity and educational approach. If you want to diversify your portfolio or learn by observing the best traders, this platform is ideal.
Investors looking for a modern and intuitive experience will also find their account here with a key argument: a real variety of assets (stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs).
Is eToro reliable?
Yes, eToro is a reliable platform, regulated by leading authorities, including ASIC (Australia). It is also regulated by the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Europe). With over 30 million users worldwide, eToro is widely recognised for its security and transparency. Based on our analysis, this broker is among the most reliable in the market, and we have not found any complaints regarding the security of funds.
Why choose eToro?
With eToro, you don’t need to be an expert to get started. Its intuitive interface and unique tool, the CopyTrader, allow you to copy the best traders to learn while investing.
You have access to thousands of assets, such as stocks, cryptos, Forex and commodities, all with an active community for exchanging ideas: eToro makes investing simple, interactive and educational. It's a bit like the Spotify of investing.
What are the fees at eToro?
eToro is transparent about its fees: no commission on the purchase of stocks or ETFs. Spreads vary depending on the asset, but remain very affordable.
Deposits are free, and withdrawals are set at $5 USD. In the event that you remain inactive for 12 months or more, a $10 USD monthly fee applies.
Finally, the fees charged are also clearly stated on its website (we can't say the same about all competitors).
Who is eToro for?
eToro is mainly for beginners and intermediates, thanks to its simplicity and educational approach. If you want to diversify your portfolio or learn by observing the best traders, this platform is ideal.
Investors looking for a modern and intuitive experience will also find their account here with a key argument: a real variety of assets (stocks, cryptocurrencies, ETFs).
Our 7 tips for buying South32 stock
| 📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for South32 |
|---|---|
| Analyze the market | Review global commodity price trends, especially for aluminium, copper, and manganese, as these have a direct influence on South32’s share performance in Australia. |
| Choose the right trading platform | Select a reputable Australian broker that provides easy access to the ASX, competitive brokerage fees, and effective research tools for tracking South32 stock. |
| Define your investment budget | Decide how much to invest in South32 based on your risk tolerance and consider diversifying into other sectors, as mining stocks can be impacted by cyclical swings. |
| Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Favour a medium to long-term approach to benefit from South32's upcoming projects like Hermosa and Worsley, and its stable dividend yield. |
| Monitor news and financial results | Stay informed about South32’s quarterly and annual reports, major project updates, and commodity export developments that could signal shifts in company outlook. |
| Use risk management tools | Protect your investment by setting stop-loss or take-profit orders, keeping in mind South32’s historical volatility and sensitivity to market changes. |
| Sell at the right time | Consider trimming your position if South32’s price approaches analyst target levels or technical resistance, or before significant global events affecting resources. |
The latest news about South32
South32 receives environmental approval and commences Worsley Mine Development, securing alumina production in Western Australia until FY36.
This major regulatory green light from the Australian Government underscores South32’s long-term commitment to its local operations and strengthens supply assurance for Australia’s vital alumina sector. The project’s development is expected to preserve hundreds of local jobs, stimulate regional economic activity, and anchor South32’s presence as a key contributor to Western Australia’s resource sector for at least another decade.
Australia Manganese operation is set to resume export sales by June 2025, following complete restoration after Cyclone Megan.
The installation of all major wharf structures marks a swift recovery in the Northern Territory, reinforcing South32’s resilience and operational discipline. This resumption is poised to benefit Australian industry supply chains and deliver renewed export revenues, further cementing the company’s role as a stable supplier and supporting the nation’s economic recovery from severe weather disruptions.
South32’s March quarter net cash position climbs by US$299 million, providing increased financial flexibility for growth and returns.
This robust cash flow puts South32 in a strong position relative to many mining peers, enabling it to pursue expansion projects such as Hermosa and Worsley, as well as to continue its ongoing on-market share buy-back. For Australian shareholders, this financial stability enhances confidence in the company’s ability to maintain dividend payments and fund strategic initiatives throughout economic cycles.
Analyst consensus upgrades South32 to “Strong Buy” with a target price 30% above its current level.
Reputable brokerages now cite improving fundamentals and growth catalysts—particularly in Australian operations and energy transition metals—as reasons for the upgrade. This positive sentiment is likely to attract increased attention from institutional and retail investors based in Australia, potentially providing tailwinds for near-term share price performance.
Operational restructuring and divestment of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal to reduce group support costs by US$30 million from FY26.
By streamlining its corporate structure and realigning around core, future-facing assets, South32 is positioning its Australian business for greater efficiency and profitability. These cost savings demonstrate continued commitment to disciplined capital management, directly benefiting investor interests in a competitive post-pandemic resources sector.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for South32 stock?
South32 currently pays a fully franked dividend. The most recent dividend was AU$0.05 per share, paid on March 28, 2025. Historically, South32 has maintained a consistent dividend payout, making it attractive for income-focused investors. The current dividend yield stands at 3.53%, supported by the company’s strong net cash position and disciplined capital return strategy.
What is the forecast for South32 stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price of AU$2.83, projected values are AU$3.68 at the end of 2025, AU$4.25 at the end of 2026, and AU$5.66 at the end of 2027. These projections reflect the company’s potential to benefit from operational improvements, new project developments, and anticipated recovery in commodity prices. South32’s diversified asset base and strong focus on growth projects offer an encouraging pathway for medium- to long-term investors.
Should I sell my South32 shares?
Holding onto South32 shares may be a wise choice, given the company’s robust balance sheet, strategic exposure to essential commodities, and consistent dividend payments. Despite recent operational challenges and negative earnings, South32’s diversified portfolio and progress on key growth projects like Hermosa could underpin future performance. For patient investors, the current valuation and sector outlook suggest that maintaining a position aligns with sound medium- to long-term fundamentals.
How are dividends and capital gains from South32 shares taxed in Australia?
For Australian investors, dividends from South32 are fully franked, meaning you may be entitled to a tax credit for the company tax already paid. Capital gains on South32 shares are subject to capital gains tax (CGT), though holding your shares for more than 12 months can qualify you for the CGT discount. Always consider your individual tax circumstances and keep records for the ATO, as franking credits can be a valuable feature for your tax return.
What is the latest dividend for South32 stock?
South32 currently pays a fully franked dividend. The most recent dividend was AU$0.05 per share, paid on March 28, 2025. Historically, South32 has maintained a consistent dividend payout, making it attractive for income-focused investors. The current dividend yield stands at 3.53%, supported by the company’s strong net cash position and disciplined capital return strategy.
What is the forecast for South32 stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price of AU$2.83, projected values are AU$3.68 at the end of 2025, AU$4.25 at the end of 2026, and AU$5.66 at the end of 2027. These projections reflect the company’s potential to benefit from operational improvements, new project developments, and anticipated recovery in commodity prices. South32’s diversified asset base and strong focus on growth projects offer an encouraging pathway for medium- to long-term investors.
Should I sell my South32 shares?
Holding onto South32 shares may be a wise choice, given the company’s robust balance sheet, strategic exposure to essential commodities, and consistent dividend payments. Despite recent operational challenges and negative earnings, South32’s diversified portfolio and progress on key growth projects like Hermosa could underpin future performance. For patient investors, the current valuation and sector outlook suggest that maintaining a position aligns with sound medium- to long-term fundamentals.
How are dividends and capital gains from South32 shares taxed in Australia?
For Australian investors, dividends from South32 are fully franked, meaning you may be entitled to a tax credit for the company tax already paid. Capital gains on South32 shares are subject to capital gains tax (CGT), though holding your shares for more than 12 months can qualify you for the CGT discount. Always consider your individual tax circumstances and keep records for the ATO, as franking credits can be a valuable feature for your tax return.
