Author: openjargon

  • Why this ASX consumer discretionary stock could be the sector’s top pick 

    A woman smiles as she stands next to a car loaded with a stack of suitcases on the roof.

    One of the largest ASX consumer discretionary stocks has been tipped to rise significantly following earnings results. 

    It has largely been a down year for the sector, which relies heavily on consumer spending and household confidence. These have both come under pressure amid elevated living costs and high interest rates.

    However, following earnings results, Bell Potter has issued fresh guidance on Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE). 

    Eagers is the largest automotive retailing group in the Australian market. 

    The company’s core business involves the ownership and operation of motor vehicle dealerships covering a diversified portfolio of automotive brands.

    What did the company report?

    Yesterday, the company released half-year results, which included revenue rising 24% to $8.05 billion and net profit after tax up 23% to $165.2 million.

    Other results included: 

    • Underlying EBITDA up 23% to $364.6 million
    • Ordinary interim dividend up 4% to 25 cents per share, fully franked
    • Liquidity at $2.61 billion and net debt at $674.9 million as at 30 June 2026
    • Acquisition of CanadaOne Auto Group contributed $40.5 million in profit before tax across two months  

    Despite the results, this ASX consumer discretionary stock dipped 5% on the announcement. 

    However, Bell Potter sees this as a clear buying opportunity. 

    Strong results

    In yesterday’s report, Bell Potter said Eagers Automotive delivered a strong H1 FY 2026, with underlying operating earnings coming in 4% above Bell Potter’s forecast. 

    This was driven by stronger-than-expected revenue and better results in both Australia and Canada. 

    The 25-cent fully-franked final dividend was also slightly ahead of expectations.

    Bell Potter sees a positive outlook for H2, noting the resilience of the business, continued market-share gains, and opportunities to optimise operations and pursue disciplined growth across Australia and North America. 

    While Eagers does not provide formal guidance, Bell Potter expects a significant improvement in H2 earnings, helped by a full six-month contribution from Canada.

    Bell Potter has upgraded revenue forecasts by around 1% for FY26 to FY28, but trimmed underlying operating PBT forecasts by around 2% due to slightly lower margin assumptions in Australia and Canada.

    Healthy upside for this ASX consumer discretionary stock

    Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation on this ASX consumer discretionary stock. 

    The broker has a $27.50 price target, indicating almost 24% upside from current levels. 

    This TP is >15% premium to the share price so we maintain our BUY recommendation. There is perhaps a lack of catalysts this half but we see continued good monthly VFACTS data in Australia (particularly for Toyota and BYD) as providing support and confidence in a strong H2 result.

    The post Why this ASX consumer discretionary stock could be the sector’s top pick  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Eagers Automotive Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Eagers Automotive Ltd 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 Eagers Automotive Ltd 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 Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended BYD Company. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Eagers Automotive Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • PEXA Group jumps to FY26 profit as revenue and EBITDA lift

    Three smiling corporate people examine a model of a new building complex.

    The PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) share price is in focus after the digital property settlement company posted 7% revenue growth to $406.9 million and a 12% jump in EBITDA for the full year 2026.

    What did PEXA Group report?

    • Group revenue rose 7% to $406.9 million (FY25: $379.5 million)
    • EBITDA increased 12% to $151.7 million, with margins up 1.7 percentage points to 37.3%
    • NPATA climbed 35% to $65.3 million; statutory NPAT from continuing operations improved to $19.2 million from a $65.6 million loss
    • Free cashflow grew 39% to $93.5 million
    • Leverage (Net debt/EBITDA) reduced to 1.0x, down from 1.8x
    • No final dividend declared

    What else do investors need to know?

    PEXA delivered strong growth across both Australian and international operations, although its UK EBITDA remained negative as investment continued. Domestically, PEXA increased its property market coverage to all Australian states and territories, with TAS and NT onboarding during the year.

    The business sharpened its strategic focus by divesting its Digital Solutions arm, strengthening the balance sheet and paying down $92.4 million in net debt. The UK business marked a major milestone by delivering NatWest’s digital remortgage functionality ahead of schedule, alongside steady progress with other lenders and growing transaction volumes.

    What did PEXA Group management say?

    PEXA’s CEO, Russell Cohen, said:

    FY26 was my first full financial year as PEXA’s CEO. It has been a year of intentional change for PEXA, clearing the pathway for more disciplined execution, a sharpened focus, which resulted in a strengthened financial position to enable us to continue investment in the products and services that matter most to our customers.

    What’s next for PEXA Group?

    Looking ahead to FY27, PEXA expects challenging market conditions in Australia to impact property transaction volumes and revenue. The company is focused on strengthening its Australian Exchange, growing compliance services via PEXA Clear, piloting a capital-light model in New Zealand, and accelerating platform adoption in the UK with plans to launch Sale and Purchase for NatWest.

    PEXA continues to engage with regulators over proposed changes to fee settings, advocating for outcomes that balance consumer value with ongoing investment in digital property infrastructure. Management guidance points to group revenue between $385 million and $415 million and NPAT of $5–20 million for FY27.

    PEXA Group share price snapshot

    The PEXA Group share price has been among the worst performers on the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a decline of around 50%.

    View Original Announcement

    The post PEXA Group jumps to FY26 profit as revenue and EBITDA lift appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy PEXA 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 PEXA 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.

  • Buy, hold, sell: Domino’s, Flight Centre, and WiseTech shares

    Buy and sell signs amidst blue and red backgrounds.

    Are you hunting for new ASX shares to buy for your portfolio?

    If you are, then it could be worth hearing what analysts at Morgans are saying about the three listed below.

    Is the broker bullish or bearish on them? Let’s find out.

    Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

    This pizza chain operator delivered an underlying profit that was ahead of expectations in FY 2026.

    However, Morgans believes the earnings beat was low quality and driven by lower net interest expense and depreciation and amortisation. 

    As a result, the broker has retained its hold rating on Domino’s shares with a $20.00 price target. It said:

    Underlying NPAT of A$121.6m (+4.0% on the pcp) beat MorgansF A$117.8m and Visible Alpha A$119.4m and finished at the top end of pre-released guidance, but the beat was low quality, with EBIT up 1.0% to A$200.1m and carried by lower D&A (-15.7% on the pcp) and net interest expense. The balance sheet is strong, with net leverage down to 1.86x, free cash flow of A$164.1m and a 32.5cps final dividend (+51.2%) with a 50% payout ratio.

    FY27 started soft with -5.8% same-store sales (SSS) for the first 8 weeks. We maintain HOLD and lift our price target to A$20.00 (from A$17.60); we view the reset as necessary, but the recovery is cost led and volume growth needs to return.

    Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

    Morgans was disappointed with this travel agent giant’s FY 2026 results, highlighting that its profits were at the lower end of its guidance range and its guidance was underwhelming.

    Nevertheless, due to its cheap valuation, the broker has retained its buy rating with a $14.25 price target. It commented:

    FLT’s FY26 result came in at the lower end of guidance which is disappointing given its 18 June trading update. Leisure was the key miss for us. Corporate had a strong year (+28% NPBT growth), while Leisure was weak (NPBT -22%) given the Middle East conflict. Outlook comments disappointed with Corporate expected to have a weak 1H27, followed by growth in the 2H27. Pleasingly, Leisure is off to a strong start. 

    With one-off costs associated with Productive Operations and World360 Rewards now being placed above the line, we have made minor downgrades to our forecasts. While investors will need to be patient for another six months, FLT’s fundamentals remain attractive (FY27F PE of 11.6x) and we retain a Buy rating with a new A$14.25 price target. When operating conditions ultimately improve, both its earnings and share price will be materially higher.

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    This logistics technology company delivered a result that was largely in line with expectations in FY 2026.

    In response, the broker has retained its buy rating on WiseTech shares with a price target of $62.50. It said:

    WTC’s FY26 result was largely in line with Morgans forecasts (MorgansF), with FY26 revenue of US$1,396m and EBITDA of US$558m coming in towards the lower end of its initial FY26 guidance range. While CargoWise revenue growth of +11% was softer than expected, WTC delivered annualised run-rate savings of ~US$115m in FY26, supporting further margin expansion into FY27. 

    FY27 guidance will see revenue growth 2H-weighted, reflecting the timing of growth initiatives, while Underlying EBITDA guidance of US$725-780m implies EBITDA margins tracking back towards 49-51%. Our Underlying EBITDA forecasts are revised by +3%/-2% in FY27-FY28F and we retain our BUY rating with a price target of A$62.50ps (previously A$67.00ps).

    The post Buy, hold, sell: Domino’s, Flight Centre, and WiseTech shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises right now?

    Before you buy Domino’s Pizza Enterprises 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises 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 positions in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 ASX dividend shares I’d buy right now for passive income

    Stacks of Australian dollar currency banknotes.

    When it comes to earning a passive income, ASX dividend shares are at the top of my list.

    There are plenty of options available, too. From major Australian blue-chip companies, to defensive stocks, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and energy infrastructure or utility operators, many ASX-listed companies have a long history of paying their shareholders a regular and reliable dividend payment.

    Here are two ASX dividend shares I’d buy right now, both of which I believe are positioned to pay attractive passive income for years.

    Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

    Origin is an ASX dividend share favourite of mine.

    The leading ASX energy company provides Australian homes and businesses with electricity, natural gas, solar and LPG. 

    Given energy is an essential service, the stock is classically defensive. This means its shares are generally resilient to sharemarket volatility, global uncertainty and fluctuating sentiment. After all, people won’t stop powering their homes and businesses because the purse strings have tightened.

    Origin’s assets operate under long-term contracts, often with rising income, which gives it another defensive quality.

    Its defensive nature makes the company’s shares a great option for passive income, as they can generate substantial cash flows even when energy prices are elevated. 

    And this directly benefits its shareholders. 

    Origin has historically paid its shareholders every six months, consisting of an interim dividend in March and a final dividend in September.

    In the first half of FY26, Origin Energy paid its investors 30 cents per share, fully franked. 

    Brokers forecast that the energy business will increase its annual payout to 61 cents in FY26, translating to a forward yield of around 5.05%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

    Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund (ASX: HVST)

    The Betshares HVST is another ASX dividend share to consider. HVST is an ASX-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in 40 to 60 dividend-paying companies. These are selected from the top 100 largest ASX-listed companies based on their dividend forecasts, franking credits, and expected future gross dividend payments.

    The ETF does not track an index; instead, it targets exposure to high-dividend stocks.

    The fund is structured to own a dividend-paying share until it trades ex-dividend. At this point, the fund sells the shares and reinvests the proceeds into its next opportunity.

    YMAX is mostly weighted into the financial sector, which accounts for 26.9% of its allocation at the time of writing. The materials sector is second, accounting for 10.1% of its allocation.

    The fund also invests into diversified metals & mining, consumer discretionary, energy, industrials, real estate, communications, and healthcare sectors. 

    HVST ETF pays investors a regular, franked dividend income that is significantly higher than the annual income yield of the broader ASX. 

    As of the 31st of July, its 12-month gross distribution (dividend) yield is 7.1%, and the net yield is 5.6%. The franking level is 63.3%. The fund’s annual management fee and costs are 0.72%.

    The fund paid out $0.06 per share to investors earlier this month. In fact, the fund has paid around $0.06 per share each month since January 2024.

    The post 2 ASX dividend shares I’d buy right now for passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund 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 Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund 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 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.

  • Civmec lifts FY26 profit, order book reaches $1.4bn

    A man and woman watch their device screens, making investing decisions at home.

    The Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL) share price is in focus after the company announced full-year FY26 revenue of A$903.0 million, up 11.4%, and a net profit after tax of A$52.1 million, a 22.5% increase on last year.

    What did Civmec report?

    • Revenue of A$903.0 million, up 11.4% on FY25
    • EBITDA of A$107.3 million, up 17.0% (EBITDA margin 11.9%)
    • NPAT of A$52.1 million, up 22.5% (net profit margin 5.8%)
    • Final dividend of 3.5 Australian cents, fully franked (total 6.0 cents for FY26)
    • Order book of A$1.4 billion at 31 July 2026
    • Net assets increased to A$591.2 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    Civmec reported strong operating cash flow before working capital movements of A$107.2 million, up 20% year on year, with increased investment in working capital supporting higher activity levels and order growth. The company’s secured order book stands at A$1.4 billion, thanks to significant new contract wins, including major SMPE&I packages for Iluka Resources and the Perth Sporting and Entertainment Precinct.

    The business continues to expand through early contractor involvement and pre-FEED processes, particularly across the resources, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Civmec also promoted Mark Clay as Executive General Manager, Defence, to drive growth in its defence business—now newly established as a prime contractor to the Commonwealth.

    What did Civmec management say?

    Chief Executive Officer Patrick Tallon said:

    Our FY26 result reflects the strength of our people, our proven execution capability, and the consistent delivery we bring to every project. The establishment of Civmec Defence Industries, together with the expansion of our regional facilities in Port Hedland and Gladstone, has further broadened our capabilities and market reach. With strong contributions across all sectors, we enter FY27 with a substantial order book, strong market demand, and a robust pipeline of opportunities.

    What’s next for Civmec?

    Civmec is entering FY27 with a sizeable order book and an active tendering pipeline across its key sectors. The business is well positioned to benefit from strong demand, with ongoing projects for major resources and energy clients and growth in public infrastructure and defence.

    Management is focused on disciplined growth, pursuing opportunities across resources, energy, infrastructure, and expanding capabilities in defence and shipbuilding. Recent leadership appointments and investment in facilities are expected to support execution and further diversification.

    Civmec Limited share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Civmec shares have risen 61%, outpacing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    View Original Announcement

    The post Civmec lifts FY26 profit, order book reaches $1.4bn appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Civmec right now?

    Before you buy Civmec 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 Civmec 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 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.

  • Virgin Australia posts robust FY26 results and first dividend since re-listing

    Man sitting in a plane seat works on his laptop.

    The Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN) share price is in focus today after the airline posted a 13.4% rise in underlying EBIT to $753 million for FY26, alongside its first fully-franked dividend of 7.6 cents per share since re-listing.

    What did Virgin Australia report?

    • Underlying EBIT of $753 million, up 13.4% on FY25
    • Underlying NPAT $404 million, up 21.9% year on year
    • Statutory NPAT $501 million, up 4.7% on FY25
    • Underlying EBIT margin expanded 60bps to 12.0%
    • Fully-franked dividend of 7.6 cents per share declared
    • ROIC increased to 20.1%, up 140bps

    What else do investors need to know?

    Virgin Australia says strong customer demand, effective fuel hedging, and benefits from its Transformation Program supported its earnings growth and helped offset rising costs, particularly in labour and airport charges. The airline finished FY26 with a conservative balance sheet: net debt at $1.2 billion represents a leverage ratio below its target range and available liquidity is $1.6 billion.

    Operational performance also improved, with on-time rates up to 77.1% and completion rates at 98.7%. The Velocity Frequent Flyer program continued to grow, with external billings up 12.4% and more than 800,000 new members joining during FY26.

    What did Virgin Australia management say?

    Commenting on the results, Virgin Australia’s CEO, Dave Emerson, said:

    Our FY26 results demonstrate that Virgin Australia has become a stronger and more resilient airline… Our strategy is working. We have built a simpler, more focused business with a primarily domestic network, targeted short-haul international services and global connectivity through our airline partners. That strategy, together with the continued benefits of our Transformation Program, has strengthened the quality of our earnings and positioned us well for the future…. The declaration of our inaugural dividend since re-listing reflects confidence in the strength of the business, while maintaining the disciplined approach to investment and capital allocation that will support sustainable long-term growth.

    What’s next for Virgin Australia?

    Looking ahead, Virgin Australia expects continued strong travel demand to support earnings. For 1H FY27, underlying EBIT is forecast to be broadly in line with the prior period, with disciplined capacity reductions, ongoing Transformation Program benefits, and planned investments in newer, more efficient aircraft.

    The company aims to grow its owned fleet and maintain financial discipline, targeting capex of $0.9–1.0 billion in FY27. Velocity earnings are expected to hold steady next year, with investment in loyalty transformation aiming to drive double-digit earnings growth from FY28 onwards.

    Virgin Australia share price snapshot

    The Virgin Australia share price has underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a decline of almost 20%.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Virgin Australia posts robust FY26 results and first dividend since re-listing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Virgin Australia right now?

    Before you buy Virgin Australia 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 Virgin Australia 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.

  • Channel Infrastructure secures $130m bp storage contract in Marsden Point growth plan

    Woman looking at data on her laptop.

    The Channel Infrastructure NZ Ltd (ASX: CHI) share price is on watch as the company announced a major new contract with bp for expanded jet and diesel storage at Marsden Point, expected to deliver around $130 million in revenue over 15 years. Channel plans to invest approximately $65–70 million in repurposing storage tanks to support this long-term partnership.

    What did Channel Infrastructure NZ report?

    • Signed a 15-year contract with bp for extra jet and diesel storage at Marsden Point
    • Contract estimated to generate ~$130 million revenue over the initial term (before indexation)
    • Growth capital expenditure of $65–70 million planned for tank repurposing (2026–2028)
    • Project to be funded via existing debt facilities
    • Operating expenditure to increase by $0.7–0.9 million per year to support growth
    • In-service contracted storage at Marsden Point increased by 40% over three months

    What else do investors need to know?

    Channel Infrastructure’s new deal with bp marks a big step in growing its role in New Zealand’s fuel supply chain. The company will begin work to repurpose existing tanks in September 2026, aiming to complete the project and start revenue in Q3 2028.

    The investment is part of a broader plan to unlock Marsden Point’s strategic value, supporting fuel resilience and future energy transition opportunities. Channel has also recently increased its contracted storage and continues to look for further opportunities for growth, including supporting lower-carbon fuels and energy security projects.

    What’s next for Channel Infrastructure NZ?

    Looking ahead, Channel Infrastructure is focused on delivering the Marsden Point expansion and maximising its position as New Zealand’s leading fuel import terminal. Management remains committed to supporting the country’s energy transition, leveraging available storage capacity and land for new fuel security and renewable projects.

    The company also retains strategic interests outside Marsden Point, including a stake in the Somerton pipeline to Melbourne Airport and a fuel testing business, positioning it well for long-term industry shifts.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Channel Infrastructure secures $130m bp storage contract in Marsden Point growth plan appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Channel Infrastructure Nz right now?

    Before you buy Channel Infrastructure Nz 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 Channel Infrastructure Nz 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 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.

  • Why I think this is a top ASX tech share to buy today

    Man looking at digital holograms of graphs, charts, and data.

    The ASX tech share Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR) could be one of the best businesses to buy right now, given its growth prospects and appealing valuation.

    Siteminder is the name behind Siteminder software, which it calls the world’s leading hotel commerce platform. It also operates Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software offering.

    The Siteminder share price has drifted lower after it reported its FY26 result, and I think this represents a particularly good buying point considering its improving financials.

    Let me explain why I think it’s such an appealing buy.

    Strong revenue growth

    The company is delivering strong growth with its revenue, which is helping increase the scale of the business every year.

    In FY26, the ASX tech share delivered revenue growth of 18.6% to $266.1 million, demonstrating strong performance despite softer travel conditions.

    It showed resilience and growing traction from new product initiatives such as the smart platform. The smart platform represents multiple new modules that give hotels more analytics, intelligence and even automated room price features.

    The company’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) rose 14.9% to $313.7 million, which suggests FY27’s revenue figure already has some pleasing growth baked in.

    During FY26, the company added 5,900 hotel properties to its client list, taking the total to 56,000. Average revenue per user (ARPU) increased 5.9% to $429, largely thanks to increasing smart platform adoption and deeper product penetration.

    Siteminder expects its ARR to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the “20s” in percentage terms between FY26 to FY30, on a constant currency and organic basis. I think most companies would be happy to grow revenue at a strong pace.

    Improving profit margins

    I think one of the best signs of a compelling ASX tech share is one where its profit margins are rising as it grows. Operating leverage is a very powerful force to help the compounding of earnings.

    In FY26, the company’s adjusted operating profit (EBITDA) soared 96.5% to $28.1 million, while reported operating profit (EBITDA) rocketed 244% to $24.4 million – the reported figure included $3.8 million of restructuring and other costs.

    Other profit margins also increased during the period. It noted that adjusted free cash flow improved by 123% to $10.5 million.

    Siteminder expects its adjusted EBITDA margin to expand meaningfully in FY27. The adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to reach the mid-20s in FY30.

    If revenue is growing strongly and the margins are going up, the bottom line could improve significantly.

    Pleasing valuation

    The ASX tech share is projected by analysts to quickly turn quite profitable over the next couple of financial years. According to the projection on Commsec, the Siteminder share price is valued at 29x FY28’s estimated earnings.

    For a business that could be growing revenue by at least 20%, I think that the valuation looks cheap following its 50% decline this year.

    The post Why I think this is a top ASX tech share to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in SiteMinder right now?

    Before you buy SiteMinder 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 SiteMinder 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 Tristan Harrison has positions in SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 high-yield ASX dividend shares to buy with $10,000

    Man smiling ahead while working on his MacBook.

    A $10,000 investment can produce a meaningful income stream if it is put to work carefully.

    But which ASX dividend shares could be top buys right now?

    Here are three ASX dividend shares that I think could be worth considering.

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN)

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT could be an ASX dividend share to buy for steady income.

    The property company owns convenience-focused assets across neighbourhood retail, large-format retail, health, and services.

    This gives it exposure to tenants linked to everyday spending. Supermarkets, pharmacies, healthcare providers, pet stores, childcare operators, and other daily-needs businesses can be more resilient than purely discretionary retailers.

    That can help support rental income and distributions through the cycle.

    Another positive is that HomeCo Daily Needs REIT is not trying to own trophy office towers or speculative development assets. Its focus is much more practical, owning properties that people tend to visit regularly and that tenants need to operate from.

    HomeCo Daily Needs REIT offers a forecast dividend yield of around 7.5% in FY 2027.

    IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

    IPH could be another ASX dividend share to consider. It provides intellectual property services across areas such as patents, trademarks, and related advisory work.

    This essentially means that it helps businesses protect ideas, brands, technology, and commercial rights.

    That may not be an exciting headline industry, but it can be a good one for dividends. IPH is a capital-light business, which means it does not need to spend huge sums on factories, mines, or physical infrastructure to keep operating.

    Patent filing activity can move up and down, and the business is not immune to softer conditions. But the underlying need for companies to protect intellectual property is not going away.

    If its earnings stabilise and cash generation remains strong, IPH could continue to reward shareholders with attractive dividends.

    IPH currently trades with an estimated FY 2027 dividend yield of around 11.5%.

    Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

    A third ASX dividend share that could be a buy is Transurban. It owns and operates toll roads in Australia and North America.

    These assets sit inside major cities and are used by motorists who want faster or more reliable travel.

    That gives Transurban a defensive infrastructure quality. Urban populations grow, congestion remains a problem, and well-located toll roads can remain valuable for decades.

    The company also has a long record of paying distributions to investors and has major projects that could support future growth.

    The company’s shares currently trade with a forward estimated FY 2027 dividend yield of 5.2%.

    The post 3 high-yield ASX dividend shares to buy with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in HomeCo Daily Needs REIT right now?

    Before you buy HomeCo Daily Needs REIT 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 HomeCo Daily Needs REIT 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 Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended HomeCo Daily Needs REIT and IPH Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Sky New Zealand FY26 earnings: Profit up 190%, dividend jumps 45%

    Two girls smile and laugh as they use a mobile phone.

    The Sky Network Television Ltd (ASX: SKT) share price is in focus today after the company posted a strong full-year FY26 result, with underlying revenue rising 9% to $826.1 million and underlying EBITDA climbing 6% to $157 million—at the top end of guidance.

    What did Sky New Zealand report?

    • Underlying revenue: $826.1 million, up 9% from FY25
    • Underlying EBITDA: $157.0 million, up 6%
    • Statutory NPAT: $59.8 million, up 190%; Underlying NPAT: $41.8 million, up 2%
    • Final dividend: 17cps (fully imputed), full-year dividend of 32cps, up 45% on FY25
    • Normalised free cash flow: $58.9 million, up 60%
    • Closing cash balance: $79.1 million, up 144% year-on-year

    What else do investors need to know?

    Sky completed its integration of Sky Free (formerly Discovery NZ), delivering $8 million in annual synergy benefits, well above initial estimates. Advertising revenue more than doubled to $131.7 million, now making up 16% of total income and highlighting Sky’s growing diversification beyond subscriptions.

    The board has set its sights on 10% annual dividend growth over the next three years and will switch to quarterly payments from FY27. The company is also considering an on-market share buyback if no better capital deployment opportunities arise following the next interim results.

    What did Sky New Zealand management say?

    Chief Executive Sophie Moloney commented:

    Three years ago, we set ambitious targets reflecting our confidence in Sky and the opportunity ahead. Since then, we have navigated a challenging economic environment while completing two significant projects—the accelerated satellite migration in FY25 and the acquisition and integration of Sky Free in FY26. We finish this period a stronger Sky—larger, more diversified and increasingly digital, with greater audience scale and more opportunities for growth.

    What’s next for Sky New Zealand?

    Looking ahead, Sky expects trading conditions to remain challenging in the first half of FY27 amid economic uncertainty. Nevertheless, it’s guiding for FY27 revenue between $825 million and $840 million, and EBITDA of $155 million to $165 million. Dividend guidance is for at least 35cps—continuing its policy of annual increases.

    The company is targeting at least $10 million of additional Group EBITDA by FY28 from further business optimisation. Longer term, Sky aims to significantly lift revenue by FY31, including 20–30% from non-subscription sources, while cementing margin expansion and ongoing earnings growth.

    Sky New Zealand share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, the Sky New Zealand shares have declined 1%, slightly trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Sky New Zealand FY26 earnings: Profit up 190%, dividend jumps 45% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Sky Network Television right now?

    Before you buy Sky Network Television 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 Sky Network Television 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 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.