Sorry.

Yesterday, I emailed you to let you know I was going to hold a YouTube LIVE today at midday, AEST.

And then the emails started coming in.

Apparently there’s a soccer game or something at the same time…

I jest… there is a very important World Cup game at midday between the Socceroos and Paraguay.

Naively, I knew the game was on today, but I didn’t check the time. Our last game was at 5am AEST, and it didn’t occur to me that today’s game would be at midday.

I should have checked. As they say, you know what happens when you assume.

So… please accept my apologies for the false start. We’ll reschedule.

But it won’t be for a few weeks.

The reason is that I’m taking some annual leave.

As I do pretty regularly at this time of year, we’re about to kick off a family road trip, this time heading up to Cape York.

We’re spending three weeks doing the loop from Cairns to The Tip (the northern-most point of mainland Australia) and back.

What about the investment services I work on? What about my portfolio?

Good questions.

If you’re a Motley Fool member, please know that we have a strong team in place, and you’ll see no impact on your membership or the delivery of content.

Also, we’re long term investors.

Sure, there’s a chance that at some point while I’m away, there’ll be some news that does impact our view on a recommendation.

And if that happens, our team will evaluate the new information (and I’ll be contactable while I’m away, if they need me).

But the odds of that are pretty low.

Share prices might move… but they always do.

Sentiment might change… but it always does.

Will things happen that change our expectation of the long-term prospects of the companies we’ve recommended you own?

That’s far, far less likely.

Which is also precisely why I’m not doing anything to my portfolio before I leave.

Because yes, share prices might fall.

But also, they might rise.

News could be bad.

Or it could be good.

And remember… over time economies tend to grow, profits tend to rise, dividends tend to rise and share prices tend to rise.

The next few weeks will be me walking the talk.

I write – and yes, talk – regularly about long-term investing. About buying quality companies at decent prices, and letting time do the work.

If you’re a sceptical person, you might think ‘well, it’s fine for you to say that, but what happens when the rubber hits the road?’.

And the next few weeks will be exactly that.

Not only literally – we’ll be doing quite a few miles – but metaphorically, because you’ll see me living that approach in real time.

I suspect you’ll probably hear from me while I’m away, too. No promises – and I’ll try to avoid sporting events! – because it’s a family holiday and I want to be present.

But I’m often up earlier or killing some time while the family is doing other things. So if I have the chance, and have the inspiration, I might just pop up here, while I’m away.

A few weeks feels like a long time, when you’re going through it.

When prices are volatile, when headlines are shouting, when talking heads are prognosticating, and when politicians are doing, well, politician things, a day can feel like a week and a week can feel like a month.

But I took a similar holiday at this time last year. Do you remember what happened during that time? I didn’t think so. Me either.

The year before? The year before that?

Exactly.

It can be really hard to keep perspective at the time, but I find it helpful to think back to those times to remind myself to not get caught up in short-term volatility.

The market might be higher when I get back. Or lower.

My portfolio might be larger… or smaller.

My recommendations might be worth more… or less.

But my – or your – presence or absence won’t change that.

That’s the key lesson.

(And go the Socceroos!)

Fool on!

The post Don’t watch me… watch the Socceroos! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Scott Phillips 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.

The Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) share price is in focus today after announcing a major expansion to its North American operations, including a proposed 140% capacity boost for the I-95 Express Lanes.

What did Transurban report?

• Entered a Development Framework Agreement for enhanced Bi-Directional Project on I-95 Express Lanes in Virginia
• Transurban holds 50% indirect interest in the 95 Express Lanes LLC
• Proposed project scope would add about 120 new lane miles—six times more than previously planned
• 10-mile extension will extend the lanes through Fredericksburg into Spotsylvania County
• Project would increase I-95 Express Lanes capacity by around 140%
• Financial close is targeted for 2029, subject to agreement and approval

What else do investors need to know?

The development marks a major step in Transurban’s North American growth strategy, demonstrating the company’s ability to secure significant infrastructure opportunities in markets it knows well. The collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation is expected to bring benefits to both local motorists and Transurban stakeholders.

The next stage will focus on final design work, contractor selection, and confirming capital requirements, ahead of submitting a binding proposal. Transurban anticipates further updates as the project advances, reinforcing its long-term presence and partnerships in the US market.

What did Transurban management say?

Transurban CEO Michelle Jablko said:

Opportunities of this scale in a market we know well, underscore the strength and optionality of Transurban’s North American presence, as we continue to partner with government to deliver transformative infrastructure that drives long-term value for both customers and our investors.

What’s next for Transurban?

With the expanded project scope, Transurban is positioned to play a key role in upgrading one of the region’s most important transport corridors. Management expects the proposed I-95 project to deliver growth potential, customer benefits, and ongoing value for investors.

Transurban will now work on design, contractor engagement, and final cost estimates before progressing to the next stage. If the binding proposal gains approval, financial close is targeted for 2029.

Transurban share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Transurban shares have risen 9%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Transurban Group announces major North America project expansion appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Centuria Capital Group opens $35m retail offer, targets growth in AI and real estate
• Ampol launches new $400m subordinated notes facility
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• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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

Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price is in focus today after the company announced a new A$400 million delayed-draw subordinated notes facility, following successful previous issues in 2025. This new facility supports Ampol’s ongoing capital management and provides flexible, long-term funding options.

What did Ampol report?

• Launched a wholesale offer of a new A$400 million delayed-draw subordinated notes facility
• Facility can be drawn in two tranches: A$250 million and A$150 million
• ~9-month and ~24-month availability periods for the two tranches, respectively
• 12-year non-call period and a final maturity in 2058
• Net proceeds earmarked to refinance existing subordinated notes callable in 2027 and 2028
• Facility fully underwritten by a cornerstone institutional investor group

What else do investors need to know?

The delayed-draw feature means Ampol can access funding flexibly as needed, with the option to issue the facility in two parts and the right to cancel the second tranche if desired. The subordinated notes are structured to secure long-term capital at fixed pricing, supporting stability in Ampol’s future refinancing plans.

Moody’s Investors Service is expected to assign 50% equity credit to the new notes, in line with Ampol’s existing subordinated debt. The offer is targeted only at institutional investors, with a closing date around 9 July 2026, subject to typical conditions.

What did Ampol management say?

Group Chief Financial Officer Greg Barnes said:

We’re delighted to announce this new financing facility, which utilises the same delayed-draw feature from our previous issue in December 2025. Investor commitments and issue pricing will be fixed upfront. Market conditions remain attractive and provide an opportune time to secure long-term capital, which is linked to our future hybrid refinancing initiatives. The delayed-draw feature gives Ampol significant flexibility with regards to issue timing, as well as use of proceeds and cancellation rights. The transaction is another example of our proactive approach to capital management.

What’s next for Ampol?

Ampol plans to use the facility to proactively refinance subordinated notes due in 2027 and 2028, aiming to optimise its balance sheet and preserve flexibility for future funding needs. Management is focused on securing stable, long-term capital to support its ongoing growth and sustainability initiatives, while enhancing its capital management strategy.

Ampol share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ampol shares have risen 29%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ampol launches new $400m subordinated notes facility appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Centuria Capital Group opens $35m retail offer, targets growth in AI and real estate
• Transurban Group announces major North America project expansion
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• What’s next for BHP shares? Broker forecasts revealed
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

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.