• Ingenia Communities posts strong FY26 with profit up 45% and guidance exceeded

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    The Ingenia Communities Group (ASX: INA) share price will be on watch on Wednesday after the company beat both EPS and EBIT guidance and posted a 45% jump in statutory profit. Revenue also grew by 8% for FY26, supporting continued delivery on the Group’s five-year plan.

    What did Ingenia Communities report?

    • Statutory profit of $186.4 million, up 45% on FY25
    • Group revenue of $555.3 million, up 8% year on year
    • EBIT of $193.4 million, exceeding guidance and up 18%
    • Underlying EPS of 35.8 cents, up 16% and above guidance
    • Distribution per security maintained at 9.6 cents
    • 573 new home settlements, a 10% lift on the prior year

    What else do investors need to know?

    Ingenia continues to scale its portfolio, with an enlarged development pipeline now supporting up to 8,800 potential new land lease home sites. The company reported steady recurring rental income and strong demand underpinning tourism and residential communities.

    During FY26, Ingenia invested $240 million in growth initiatives, including $174 million in development. Notably, ongoing asset sales (totalling around $125 million) aim to further boost capital flexibility.

    Operating cash flow rose 5% year on year to $152.5 million, despite higher borrowing costs. The company’s balance sheet remains sound, with gearing at 31% and available liquidity to fund upcoming projects and acquisitions.

    What did Ingenia Communities management say?

    Ingenia CEO and Managing Director John Carfi said:

    Two years into the delivery of our strategic plan, this result shows the benefit of ongoing focused execution and builds on the progress achieved in Year 1, demonstrating clear progress against our financial and strategic goals. Underlying EPS and EBIT exceeded guidance, development returns improved and our recurring revenue base continued to grow.

    We remain on track to achieve our Year 3 and Year 5 goals, subject to market conditions, supported by a streamlined operating structure, ongoing refinements to the platform and a stable corporate cost base that enables disciplined execution.

    What’s next for Ingenia Communities?

    Ingenia is targeting EBIT and underlying EPS growth of 0–10% for FY27, citing moderate market activity and buyer sentiment in the near term. The Group expects to benefit from its flexible business model, strong demand for affordable housing, and targeted capital recycling to support new growth.

    Looking ahead, Ingenia will focus on scaling development, integrating new acquisitions, and optimising its operational platform. The company remains confident that continued execution of the five-year plan and a diversified revenue base will support growth, even as some cost and market challenges persist.

    Ingenia Communities share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Ingenia Communities share price has underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) with a decline of almost 30%.

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    The post Ingenia Communities posts strong FY26 with profit up 45% and guidance exceeded appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Ingenia Communities 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 Ingenia Communities 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…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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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 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.

  • Steadfast Group FY26 earnings: Profits and dividend on the rise

    A man looking at his laptop and thinking.

    The Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF) share price will be in focus on Wednesday after the company reported underlying diluted EPS of 28.8 cents, up 7.7%, and a 9% increase in its final fully franked dividend to 12.75 cents per share.

    What did Steadfast Group report?

    • Underlying revenue: $2,104.7 million, up 15.3% on FY25
    • Underlying NPATA: $366.3 million, up 7.1%
    • Underlying NPAT: $319.5 million, up 8.2%
    • Underlying EBITA: $669.8 million, up 13.8%
    • Final dividend: 12.75 cps fully franked (up 9%); total FY26 dividends: 20.95 cps, up 7.4%
    • Statutory NPAT: $269.1 million, down from $334.9 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    Steadfast’s growth came from both organic initiatives and acquisitions. Gross written premium (GWP) in its Australasian Network rose 6.2% to $13.2 billion, with underlying EBITA up 13.2% for this segment. The Group also highlighted successful broker hubbing strategies designed to drive efficiency and further growth.

    The company has entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed with Amwins Australasia Group and Starboard BidCo. The Steadfast Board unanimously recommends shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme, subject to no superior proposal and a positive independent expert report.

    Underwriting Agency operations generated $2.5 billion of GWP, up 2.3%, while strong organic growth also supported Steadfast’s international business, contributing to a favourable EBITA result.

    What did Steadfast Group management say?

    Managing Director & CEO Robert Kelly AM stated:

    I am pleased to present our FY26 results, continuing Steadfast’s track record of accretive growth since listing in August 2013. Despite a challenging operating environment, disciplined execution and strong cost management, we delivered solid performance and positioned the business for continued long-term growth.

    What’s next for Steadfast Group?

    Looking ahead, Steadfast is guiding for underlying NPATA of $382–$392 million and underlying NPAT of $333–$343 million for FY27. The company expects underlying EBITA of $700–$715 million and EPS growth of 4–8%.

    Management sees further growth opportunities, with expectations of 2–3% increases in insurance premium pricing and ongoing benefits from its broker and agency network strategies, both in Australia and internationally.

    Steadfast Group share price snapshot

    Over the past year, the Steadfast Group share price has underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) with a decline of 5%.

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    The post Steadfast Group FY26 earnings: Profits and dividend on the rise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Steadfast 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 Steadfast 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…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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

  • Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

    Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) enjoyed another strong day of gains this Tuesday, lifting the value of many ASX shares.

    After yesterday’s rise kicked off the trading week on a positive note, investors built on that momentum today. The ASX 200 opened higher this morning and stayed in green territory all day, closing with a gain of 0.68%. That leaves the index at 9,164.6 points.

    This terrific Tuesday for the local markets came after a mixed start to the American trading week on Wall Street overnight.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) was in an accommodating mood, rising 0.26%.

    However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) had a more Garfield-esque Monday, closing 0.76% lower.

    Let’s get back to the ASX now and take stock of how the different ASX sectors fared this session.

    Winners and losers

    Today’s market rises were near-universal, with only two sectors missing out.

    The first, and worst, of those sectors was energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) gave up an early lead to finish down 0.78% today.

    The other red sector was real estate investment trusts (REITs), with the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index (ASX: XPJ) sinking 0.16%.

    Let’s get to the happier sectors now. Leading the charge were tech shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) had a blowout, rocketing up 2.25%.

    Consumer staples stocks ran hot as well, illustrated by the S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Staples Index (ASX: XSJ)’s 2.11% surge.

    Healthcare stocks were also popular. The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) soared 1.4% higher this Tuesday.

    Financial shares joined the party, with the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) shooting up 0.94%.

    Consumer discretionary stocks were also at the festivities. The S&P/ASX 200 Consumer Discretionary Index (ASX: XDJ) galloped up 0.91% today.

    Next came utilities shares, as you can see by the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ)’s 0.59% jump.

    Industrial stocks were right behind that. The S&P/ASX 200 Industrials Index (ASX: XNJ) added 0.58% to its total this session.

    Communications shares had a day to remember as well, with the S&P/ASX 200 Communication Services Index (ASX: XTJ) advancing 0.4%.

    Gold stocks didn’t miss out. The All Ordinaries Gold Index (ASX: XGD) enjoyed a 0.34% lift today.

    Finally, mining shares managed to find buyers, evidenced by the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ)’s 0.3% bump.

    Top 10 ASX 200 shares countdown

    Defence company Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) was our top performer this Tuesday. Electro Optic shares exploded 23.02% higher today to close at $10.58 each.

    This astonishing showing followed the company’s latest earnings, which were obviously a delight for the market.

    Here’s how the other top stocks tied up at the dock:

    ASX-listed company Share price Price change
    Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS) $10.58 23.02%
    ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) $21.51 13.87%
    Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN) $41.36 8.16%
    Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN) $19.37 7.97%
    DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) $1.95 7.44%
    Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO) $1.03 6.74%
    A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) $7.09 6.30%
    Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) $11.73 5.77%
    Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6) $0.92 5.75%
    4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX) $3.88 5.72%

    Our top 10 shares countdown is a recurring end-of-day summary that shows which companies made big moves on the day. Check in at Fool.com.au after the weekday market closes to see which stocks make the countdown.

    The post Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Electro Optic Systems right now?

    Before you buy Electro Optic Systems 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 Electro Optic Systems 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…

    * Returns as of 1 August 2026

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 ARB Corporation, DroneShield, and Electro Optic Systems. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation, Ansell, and Data#3. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.