Stock Pick

  • Viva Energy Group posts record 1H26 earnings, boosts dividend

    Pensioner looking at his laptop.

    The Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA) share price is in focus today after the company reported record group EBITDA of $774.4 million for the half year ended 30 June 2026, up a substantial 154% versus the same period last year, and announced an increased interim dividend.

    What did Viva Energy Group report?

    • Group EBITDA (replacement cost basis) rose to $774.4 million, up from $304.9 million (+154%).
    • Net profit after tax (RC) increased to $371.1 million, up from $62.6 million (+493%).
    • Energy & Infrastructure EBITDA grew to $353.7 million, supported by strong refining margins.
    • Commercial & Industrial EBITDA (RC) rose 28% to $305.4 million on higher sales volumes and favourable supply deals.
    • Convenience & Mobility EBITDA (RC) jumped 86% to $138.7 million, backed by higher retail fuel sales.
    • Interim dividend of 7.73 cents per share, at the top end of policy (up from 3.83cps).

    What else do investors need to know?

    Viva Energy’s performance benefited from elevated regional refining margins, even as operations at the Geelong Refinery were impacted by a fire in April. The refinery was safely restored and all units were back online by June, helping support margins into the second half.

    Strong trading momentum was also reported across retail, with increased customer visits and uplift in convenience (ex-tobacco) sales. Lower net debt, now at $1.7 billion, reflects robust cash flow generation and prudent capital management during a period of market volatility.

    The interim dividend represents a 70% payout of C&M and C&I net profit (RC), with any additional dividend from refining earnings to be considered at year end. The dividend reinvestment plan remains active, offering a 1.5% discount for eligible shareholders.

    What did Viva Energy Group management say?

    The company’s CEO, Scott Wyatt, commented:

    Viva Energy delivered its highest underlying first half earnings with all business units reporting significant growth. These strong results reflect a substantially improved refining margin environment, as well as improving retail sales growth and continuing strength of our commercial businesses. Strong cash conversion has strengthened our balance sheet with net debt reducing from $2.1 billion at the end of 2025 to $1.7 billion at 30 June 2026. I am proud of the way our team have responded to these challenges and the results we have achieved. We enter the second half with a strong balance sheet and a clear focus on disciplined execution.

    What’s next for Viva Energy Group?

    Heading into the second half, Viva Energy plans to continue increasing productivity in its convenience operations and further expand its OTR network. The company expects the supply chain transformation to complete by November, aiming to boost store range and private label offerings. Around 20–25 new OTR stores and several site conversions are also in the pipeline for 2026.

    Commercial & Industrial earnings are anticipated to remain solid, though some moderation is expected as favourable supply agreements roll off. The Group’s Geelong Refinery will remain focused on capturing strong margin conditions, while ongoing discussions with the Federal Government around fuel security measures could support longer-term stability and growth.

    Viva Energy Group share price snapshot

    The Viva Energy Group share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a 33% gain, buoyed by strong earnings growth and improved capital returns to shareholders.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Viva Energy Group posts record 1H26 earnings, boosts dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Viva Energy Group right now?

    Before you buy Viva Energy Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Viva Energy Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 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.

  • Mader Group FY26 earnings: Profit jumps 15% on record revenue

    Two miners at a mine site on their tablets, with mining machinery behind them.

    The Mader Group Ltd (ASX: MAD) share price is in focus today after the company reported record FY26 revenue of $1.0 billion and net profit after tax (NPAT) of $65.4 million, both up 15% from last year.

    What did Mader Group report?

    • Revenue of $1,001.1 million, up 15% on the prior corresponding period (PCP)
    • NPAT of $65.4 million, a 15% increase versus last year
    • EBITDA of $120.7 million, rising 10% year on year
    • Net cash position of $35.7 million, compared to net debt of $8.3 million in FY25
    • No final dividend declared for FY26

    What else do investors need to know?

    Mader Group’s Australian business continued to grow, with services expanding across infrastructure and road transport. High-growth verticals and a strong market presence helped drive a 16% revenue increase in Australia.

    In North America, revenue rose 12% (or ~17% in constant currency), supported by record headcount and expanding operations, especially in Canada. The Rest of World segment remains strategically important, with new business pursued in regions like New Zealand and Asia.

    The company reported a Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate of 3.65 per million hours and invested further in safety initiatives and community engagement, including support for events like the Mader Port to Pub and partnerships with Ronald McDonald House Charities and local Indigenous businesses.

    What did Mader Group management say?

    Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Justin Nuich said:

    I’m proud to announce that we have surpassed $1 billion in annual revenue, marking the successful delivery of the five-year strategic plan established by the Board in 2021… Achieving this milestone is a reflection of our people, our customers and a business model that continues to perform at scale… Looking ahead, with a strong culture, diversified service offering, and a scalable global platform, we are well-positioned to build on this momentum, capture the opportunities in front of us and continue to deliver long-term value for our shareholders.

    What’s next for Mader Group?

    The outlook for FY27 is upbeat, with Mader targeting at least $1.13 billion in revenue and NPAT of $72.5 million—growth of 13% and 11%, respectively. The company is investing in new service lines, growth initiatives, and an expanded long-term incentive program to underpin its ambition for approximately 15% compound annual growth over the next five years.

    While no FY26 dividend was declared, the board continues to review capital allocation, and management remains focused on expanding Mader’s capabilities, strengthening its position in key markets, and supporting sustainable long-term growth.

    Mader Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Mader Group shares have declined 13%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Mader Group FY26 earnings: Profit jumps 15% on record revenue appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mader Group right now?

    Before you buy Mader Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Mader Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 positions in and has recommended Mader Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Mader 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.

  • Scentre Group shares on watch as 2026 half year earnings climb and guidance gets a boost

    Beautiful young couple enjoying in shopping, symbolising passive income.

    The Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) share price is in focus today after the company reported funds from operations (FFO) of $612 million for the first half of 2026, up 4.4%, and upgraded its full year guidance for both earnings and distributions.

    What did Scentre Group report?

    • FFO for the half year: $612 million, up 4.4% (11.73 cents per security)
    • Distribution for the half: $481 million, up 4.9% (9.215 cents per security)
    • Statutory profit: $975 million, boosted by an unrealised property valuation increase of $478 million
    • Annual customer visitations reached 552 million, a record for the business
    • Occupancy remained high at 99.8%, the best in over a decade
    • Upgraded 2026 full year guidance to at least 23.79 cents FFO and a distribution of 18.473 cents per security

    What else do investors need to know?

    Scentre Group delivered solid customer engagement and strong operational metrics. Customer advocacy improved, with its Net Promoter Score rising 12 points to 65, and Westfield membership grew to 5.2 million, up 11% on the previous year.

    The group completed 1,401 leasing deals, with average specialty rent escalations of 5.5%. Business partners’ sales for the year reached a record $30.3 billion, growing 4.2% year on year. Scentre remains highly engaged in ongoing redevelopments at key destinations, including Westfield Bondi, Penrith, and Tuggerah.

    On the capital management front, Scentre successfully introduced Australian Retirement Trust as a joint venture partner at Westfield Mt Gravatt and reduced its average debt margin from 2.6% to 1.6%. There is ample liquidity, with $3.5 billion available and all pandemic-era debt refinanced.

    What did Scentre Group management say?

    Scentre Group CEO Elliott Rusanow said:

    Our focus is to continue generating long term earnings growth from our Westfield business in Australia and New Zealand and create significant additional value from our substantial land holdings.

    What’s next for Scentre Group?

    Management has upgraded full year 2026 FFO and distribution guidance, pointing to growth of at least 4.25%. Scentre is continuing to invest in its retail destinations and progress major redevelopments, especially at Westfield Bondi and other key sites.

    At the same time, the group is looking to unlock value from its strategic land holdings by progressing plans to deliver up to 25,600 dwellings, working collaboratively with governments on housing supply. Scentre also aims to strengthen partnerships and drive further economic activity in and around its Westfield centres.

    Scentre Group share price snapshot

    The Scentre Group share price has underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) on a 12-month basis with a decline of around 8%.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Scentre Group shares on watch as 2026 half year earnings climb and guidance gets a boost appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Scentre Group right now?

    Before you buy Scentre Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Scentre Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See the 5 Stocks

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

    .custom-cta-button p {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    More reading

    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 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.

The Latest