Yesterday, Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT) announced that it had secured two major Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) maintenance contracts across Victoria, worth a combined $160 million over five years. The new deals are set to strengthen Ventia’s footprint in essential transport infrastructure services.

What did Ventia Services Group report?

• Awarded two ITS maintenance contracts in Victoria’s Central and East regions
• Combined estimated contract value of approximately $160 million over five years
• Potential extension options for up to four additional years
• Services cover traffic signals, street lighting, and ITS assets

What else do investors need to know?

Ventia’s success in securing these contracts showcases its established reputation managing complex infrastructure networks. This award highlights the increasing role Ventia is playing in maintaining Victoria’s road system, supporting a safe and efficient transport network.

The contracts are scheduled to commence from 1 December 2026 and include options to extend up to four more years, offering a pathway for recurring revenue and business stability. These wins align with Ventia’s broader strategy to serve essential infrastructure clients across Australia and New Zealand.

What did Ventia Services Group management say?

Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer Dean Banks commented:

The award reflects Ventiaʼs proven capability in managing complex, technology enabled infrastructure networks. These contracts align strongly with Ventiaʼs expertise in maintaining critical transport assets and supporting our customers through safe, responsive and data driven service delivery.

What’s next for Ventia Services Group?

Looking ahead, Ventia is positioned to roll out its proven maintenance services for Victoria’s ITS assets, further reinforcing its standing as a transport infrastructure leader. The addition of these contracts not only strengthens Ventia’s portfolio but also bolsters prospects for sustainable, long-term growth.

Management’s ongoing focus remains on delivering safe, reliable, and technology-driven solutions for clients, as well as exploring further opportunities in the infrastructure services market.

Ventia Services Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ventia Services Group shares have risen 6%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Ventia wins $160 million Victorian ITS contracts, boosting infrastructure services 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.

ASX 200 stock Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) made headlines yesterday after releasing its FY26 results.

As reported by James Mickleboro, the gold miner reported record FY26 profit and increased its dividend, backed by strong gold and copper output.

Other key results included: 

• Statutory profit after tax rose 59% to $1,475 million
• Underlying EBITDA increased 44% to $3,171 million with 57% margin
• Group cash flow jumped 76% to $1,389 million
• Final fully franked dividend of 21 cents per share, up 62%
• Total FY26 dividend of 41 cps, returning ~$833 million to shareholders. 

What did management say?

Commenting on the results, Evolution Mining’s Managing Director and CEO, Lawrie Conway, said:

Our record results reflect the quality of our assets and, above all, the efforts of the entire Evolution team. We are delivering on our commitment to shareholders. The record financial performance is on the back of safe, consistent and reliable operational delivery, complemented by our disciplined approach to cost and capital management. Our high-margin business is generating significant cash flow with a record Group cash flow of nearly $1.4 billion.

It was a subdued response from investors, with the ASX 200 stock rising just over 0.2% on the back of the announcement. 

However, Evolution Mining shares have risen 73% over the last 12 months. 

In good news for prospective investors, Bell Potter sees more upside for this ASX 200 stock. 

Here’s what the broker had to say. 

FY26 financial results sets fresh records

The team at Bell Potter said this ASX 200 stock delivered a record FY26 result, with revenue of A$5.56bn, underlying EBITDA of A$3.17bn and net profit of A$1.56bn, despite falling short of Bell Potter’s forecasts. 

The strong operational performance, combined with largely unhedged gold exposure, drove record earnings and free cash flow, while net gearing improved to 0% as EVN moved to A$19m of net cash. 

Management also increased its dividend payout target from ~50% to ~60% of group cash flow, supporting a total FY26 distribution of 41cps and signalling a greater focus on shareholder returns. 

FY27 guidance of 660-730koz of gold and 63-70kt of copper at AISC of A$1,795-1,995/oz was broadly in line with expectations, with higher growth capital reflecting investment in projects Bell Potter views as high-return and highly competitive for capital.

Buy recommendation in tact 

Based on this guidance, the team at Bell Potter retained its buy recommendation on this ASX 200 stock. 

It also increased its price target to $15.55 (previously $15.10). 

From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates a further upside of almost 14%. 

EVN offers fully unhedged gold and copper exposure via a portfolio of high quality, long-life assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions, overseen by a high-quality management team. EVN has demonstrated its intention to increase shareholder returns and gold price exposure. Our NPV-based valuation lifts 3%, to $15.55/sh. We retain our Buy recommendation.

The post Why this ASX 200 stock is a buy after posting record results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell 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.

At age 62, Australians are entering the period where their superannuation shifts from being a retirement savings tool, to a main source of income.

By this age, you’ve passed the preservation age, which means you can access your superannuation if you’ve quit working. And you’re five years away from receiving the Age Pension (if you’re eligible for it).

But do you know if you have enough in your super to retire?

Or how your superannuation balance compares to other Australians the same age as you?

Here’s a breakdown of what the average superannuation balance is at age 62 in Australia.

Find out how yours compares.

What is the average superannuation balance for men aged 62 in Australia?

There aren’t exact figures, but brackets determined by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provide a good guide.

The data shows that the average Australian male aged 60-64 has around $395,852 in their superannuation.

Is your superannuation in line with the average Aussie the same age?

What is the average superannuation balance for women the same age?

Women the same age have quite a lot less. The average balance for Australian women aged 60-64 is around $313,360. That’s a gap of almost $83,000!

Why? 

Women typically take a career break to have children or care for family, and during this time they receive little to no compulsory employer superannuation. Women are also more likely to work part-time and work in lower-paid industries. The missing contributions in their 30s and 40s also mean they lose several years of compounding, which takes a huge toll on their end balance. 

How does your super balance compare?

Are these average super balances enough to retire on?

If you’re happy to live a basic retirement on a tight budget, possibly. But for a comfortable retirement, no.

In fact, the average Australian is quite far behind.

ASFA estimates that it’ll cost single Australians around $55,923 per year to retire. It’ll cost couples living together closer to $78,566 per year in total.

These figures also assume you’ll start your retirement at age 67. It also assumes that you’ll receive a part Age Pension around this time and that you own your home outright.

In order to fund this type of comfortable retirement, ASFA calculates that single Australians will need around $630,000 in their superannuation at age 67. Meanwhile, couples will need around $730,000 combined at the same age.

So, how much should I have in my super by age 62 to retire comfortably?

Using ASFA’s Super Balance Detective tool, I’ve calculated what you’d need at ages 62 to reach that sum in the next five years.

Assuming you’re aiming for the $630,000 superannuation balance needed for an individual. At age 62, you should have close to $539,000 to be considered ‘on track’.

How does your superannuation balance compare now?

The post The average superannuation balance at age 62 in Australia. How does yours stack up? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How many Brambles shares do I need to buy for $5,000 per year of passive income?
• Australian Strategic Materials confirms scheme effectiveness as takeover completes
• Ventia wins $160 million Victorian ITS contracts, boosting infrastructure services
• Why this ASX 200 stock is a buy after posting record results
• How much are CSL shares worth? 4 brokers have their say

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.