The MA Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MAF) share price is in focus after the company reported record first half underlying revenue of $230.1 million, up 41% on 1H25, and a strong 45% lift in underlying earnings per share (EPS) excluding large notable items.

What did MA Financial report?

• Underlying revenue rose 41% to $230.1 million (up 31% to $214.6 million excluding large notable items)
• Underlying NPAT (ex LNI) increased 59% to $35.9 million
• Underlying EBITDA (ex LNI) jumped 43% to $68.2 million
• Assets under management surged 44% to $15.5 billion
• Fully franked interim dividend lifted to 8 cents per share, up from 6 cents per share in 1H25
• Finsure managed loans climbed 25% to $193 billion and MA Money loan book soared 127% to $7.5 billion

What else do investors need to know?

MA Financial’s results showcased strong momentum across all divisions, with particular strength in Asset Management and Lending & Technology. Recurring revenue reached a record 72% of underlying revenue (ex LNI), improving the quality and predictability of earnings.

The company has already made a strong start to the second half, with accelerating fund inflows, new real estate and hospitality transactions, and MA Money’s loan book surpassing $8 billion post-balance date. Strategic investment in extending the platform into New Zealand has yielded early results, with New Zealand AUM crossing NZ$100 million.

What did MA Financial management say?

Joint CEOs Julian Biggins and Christopher Wyke said:

The Group’s performance in 1H26 demonstrates the scalability of our diversified business model. Delivering 45% underlying earnings growth during a period of significant market volatility and macroeconomic headwinds is a strong result. Our Assets under Management and Loan books continue to demonstrate good growth and transactional activity is rebounding from cyclical lows to benefit the business. We’ve had a very strong start to 2H26 and believe that the Group is in great shape to deliver strong earnings growth into the future. This is demonstrated by the release today of our new three-year strategic targets which we believe are achievable given the scalable business platform we now have in place.

What’s next for MA Financial?

Looking ahead, MA Financial is targeting further growth across all business segments, underpinned by its updated three-year strategic targets to December 2029. Management expects underlying EPS excluding notable items to be materially higher in FY26 compared to FY25, with earnings skewed to the second half.

The group is aiming for continued growth in funds under management, lending, and corporate advisory fees, with plans to expand distribution capabilities in the US and New Zealand and build further brand awareness. Management notes its EBITDA margin initiatives are on track, and the business is well positioned to create value for shareholders.

MA Financial share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, MA Financial shares have declined 27%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

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The post MA Financial delivers record 1H26 earnings and lifts dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Ma Financial Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) share price is in focus today after the company reported strong financial results for the year ended 30 June 2026, with revenue rising 13% to $10.87 billion and underlying net profit up 17% to $621 million.

What did Sonic Healthcare report?

• Revenue: $10,867 million, up 13% from FY2025
• Underlying EBITDA: $1,933 million, up 11%
• Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT): $621 million, up 17%
• Earnings per share: 125.6 cents, up 14%
• Total dividend: $1.08 per share (final dividend $0.63, franked to 60%)
• Strong organic revenue growth of 5%

What else do investors need to know?

Sonic Healthcare completed several strategic acquisitions during FY2026, including major German provider LADR and Cairo Diagnostics. The integration of these businesses is on track, with over 40% of expected synergies realised in year one for LADR. The company has also continued to sharpen its focus on advanced diagnostics, with standout growth in its genetics and specialist pathology businesses, both in Australia and internationally.

Management is investing in the digital and AI transformation of core systems. Around $30 million per year is earmarked over the next three years to modernise finance, supply chain and HR, supporting future productivity. Meanwhile, a $445 million sale and leaseback of its Brisbane hub laboratory strengthened Sonic Healthcare’s balance sheet and capital flexibility.

What’s next for Sonic Healthcare?

Looking ahead to FY2027, Sonic Healthcare expects continued organic growth across its major markets, underpinned by demand for personalised and preventative healthcare. The company has provided EBITDA guidance in the range of $1,950 million to $2,030 million (constant currency), excluding costs from its IT transformation program. Some earnings headwinds are anticipated from regulatory changes in Switzerland and a slower ramp-up of profit from its large UK NHS contract.

The group intends to continue progressing US operational improvements, realise further synergy benefits from its recent acquisitions, and optimise costs through automation and strategic procurement.

Sonic Healthcare share price snapshot

It has been a tough 12 months for the Sonic Healthcare share price. During this time, the company’s shares have underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) with a decline of 18%.

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The post Sonic Healthcare share price in focus on FY26 profit jump and digital push appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Sonic Healthcare. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Ridley Corporation Ltd (ASX: RIC) share price is in focus after the company reported underlying EBITDA jumped 61.8% to $157.8 million, and a 100% franked final dividend of 5.35 cents per share, for the year ended 30 June 2026.

What did Ridley report?

• Underlying EBITDA: $157.8 million, up 61.8% from $97.5 million in the prior corresponding period
• Underlying NPAT: $61.0 million, up 41.5% year on year
• Final dividend: 5.35 cps, fully franked (up from 5.00 cps in FY25)
• Operating cash flow: $122.4 million, up from $68.3 million last year
• Leverage: 0.85x (target range: 1–2x)
• Statutory NPAT: $27.6 million (after significant items)

What else do investors need to know?

Ridley completed the acquisition of Incitec Pivot Fertilisers during the year, driving a step-change in earnings and expanding its position in the Australian agricultural sector. The business now holds number one positions across fertilisers, bulk stockfeeds, and packaged feeds and ingredients.

Fertilisers contributed EBITDA of $72.2 million over nine months, meeting the higher end of expectations, while Bulk Stockfeeds and Packaged Feeds saw growth in volumes, though operational constraints temporarily affected ingredients performance.

The company maintained a solid balance sheet, with headline leverage below the 1–2x target, despite the fertiliser acquisition. Ridley’s cash generation improved, supporting a progressive dividend and ongoing investment.

What’s next for Ridley?

Ridley expects earnings growth from each division in FY27 as it continues integrating its fertilisers business, expands capacity in bulk stockfeeds, and aims for operational recovery in packaged feeds and ingredients.

Management intends to stick with its capital allocation framework and maintain a dividend payout between 50–70% of NPAT. Investment remains focused on efficiency, network upgrades, and pursuing disciplined growth opportunities. The company sees its diversified position providing resilience through changing agricultural cycles and external challenges.

Ridley share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ridley shares have risen 3%, slightly outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

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The post Ridley: FY26 profit jumps on fertiliser boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.