Author: openjargon

  • This small-cap ASX technology stock could more than double in value: Broker

    A man holds a green hammer while wearing a yellow hardhat.

    Shares in Hipages Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: HPG) have risen sharply in recent days following the company’s delivery of a solid set of full-year results, but analysts at Shaw and Partners believe the stock has much further to go.

    The broker has reiterated its buy recommendation on the stock and has a very bullish share price target on the company, which I’ll get to shortly.

    First, let’s look at the company’s results.

    Solid profit result

    Hipages earlier this week reported revenue of $90.6 million, up 9%, while net profit of $15 million was up 528%.

    Chief Executive Officer Roby Sharon-Zipser said of the result:

    FY26 was another year of strong execution for hipages Group, as we continued to invest in our multi-product platform, adding new functionality, AI integration and expanding hipages for business, which drove strong customer engagement and a further 9% increase in ARPU. We also expanded into Insurance with the acquisition of a majority stake in VIZ Insurance. This expands our total addressable market and adds a complementary insurance offering to our business platform. Our strong free cash generation and balance sheet enabled us to commence an on-market share buy-back of up to 10% of issued share capital during the year, with our shares trading well below intrinsic value, while retaining flexibility to invest in future organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

    On the outlook for FY27, the company said embedding AI across its operations would be a focus, while it remained open to further M&A.

    Hipages is guiding to revenue growth of 9% to 11% and free cash flow of $11 to $13 million, up from $9.4 million in FY26.

    Shares looking cheap according to broker

    Shaw and Partners said in a note to clients that Hipages continues to evolve beyond its core marketplace into a multi-product platform.

    They said that VIZ Insurance adds about 4,500 businesses to the platform, while AI tools for accounting and finance, as well as household products, would provide further optionality.

    Shaw and Partners added:

    Importantly, AI and future verticals contribute little to FY27 guidance, but successful adoption could accelerate growth beyond the core business’s ~8–10% trajectory from FY28. We reiterate our Buy rating but lower our price target to $2.00 (was $2.50), reflecting more conservative long term revenue growth assumptions, driven primarily by lower volume growth. At the current price, HPG trades on just 1.0x FY27 enterprise value/revenue, which we believe materially understates the value of the platform given its improving profitability and free cash flow generation.

    Hipages is valued at $126.3 million.

    The post This small-cap ASX technology stock could more than double in value: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Hipages 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 Hipages 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 Cameron England 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 Hipages Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hipages Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • FireFly Metals share price climbs after $190m raise for Green Bay project

    A briefcase full of money

    The FireFly Metals Ltd (ASX: FFM) share price is in focus after the company announced a successful A$190 million capital raising to accelerate the development and resource growth at its Green Bay Copper-Gold Project in Canada.

    What did FireFly Metals report?

    • Raised approximately A$180 million via institutional placements in Australia and Canada at A$1.78 per share
    • Announced intention to raise up to an additional A$10 million through a Share Purchase Plan for eligible shareholders
    • Funds earmarked for early project works, procurement of long-lead items, and resource drilling
    • Following a robust Preliminary Economic Assessment, project development and expansion activities are set to continue
    • Placement was strongly supported by existing and new institutional investors

    What else do investors need to know?

    The funds raised will mainly support the Green Bay Copper-Gold Project, including technical studies, underground development, and aggressive regional exploration initiatives. The company plans to progress a Feasibility Study for its 1.8Mtpa base case and a Pre-Feasibility Study for a larger 4.6Mtpa scenario, with the goal of making a final investment decision by mid-2027.

    Shareholders registered at 5:00pm AWST on 24 August 2026 in Australia or New Zealand will be eligible for the Share Purchase Plan at the same price as the placement. The SPP may be scaled back if demand exceeds A$10 million.

    What did FireFly Metals management say?

    FireFly’s Managing Director Steve Parsons said:

    The strong demand for the raising reflects Green Bay’s status as one of the world’s best undeveloped copper projects. This status was confirmed by the robust production and financial metrics contained in the Preliminary Economic Assessment, which demonstrated a strong cashflow outlook and rapid payback period. We are now very well-funded to progress towards project development while maintaining a multi-rig drilling program aimed at ongoing resource growth.

    What’s next for FireFly Metals?

    The company is focused on advancing the Green Bay Copper-Gold Project towards production, with further drilling and technical studies in the pipeline. Management expects the new capital to ensure strong balance sheet flexibility as they work towards a final investment decision in 2027.

    There’s also an ongoing commitment to regional exploration and resource expansion, positioning FireFly to deliver growth for shareholders as the project evolves.

    FireFly Metals share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, FireFly Metals shares have risen 57%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    View Original Announcement

    The post FireFly Metals share price climbs after $190m raise for Green Bay project appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in FireFly Metals right now?

    Before you buy FireFly Metals 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 FireFly Metals 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.

  • How many Woolworths shares do I need to earn $10,000 per year in passive income?

    Piles of coins with rising arrows.

    Shares in supermarket giant Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) are a popular choice among investors seeking passive income.

    Woolworths is classed as an ASX consumer staples stock, which means it is a structurally defensive stock.

    That’s because its earnings are anchored by non-discretionary consumer spending. In other words, regardless of inflation levels or consumer sentiment, Australians still need to eat, which means they need to buy groceries.

    Its defensive nature also means Woolworths shares can generate stable cash flow across all phases of the economic cycle. Which means it is able to then pay a steady dividend to its shareholders.

    But what would it entail to earn as much as $10,000 per year in passive income from Woolworths shares?

    Let’s take a look.

    What passive income does Woolworths pay its shareholders?

    First, we need to understand what dividends the supermarket giant pays its shareholders.

    Woolworths typically pays its investors twice-yearly dividends: an interim dividend in April and a final dividend in October.

    This morning, the company announced a final dividend payout of 52 cents per security, fully franked, as part of its FY26 results announcement. Combined with the company’s latest 45-cent interim dividend payment in April, that comes to a total FY26 dividend payment of 97 cents per security.

    The supermarket giant is then forecast to pay shareholders $1.13 in FY27.

    At the time of writing, this translates to a dividend yield of around 2.5% for FY26. For FY27, the forward dividend yield could be roughly 2.9%.

    So, how many Woolworths shares do I need to generate $10,000 in passive income in FY27?

    Using the FY26 total dividend payment of 97 cents per share, investors would need to own around 10,309 shares in order to earn $10,000 per year in passive income.

    Then, assuming the supermarket business pays the forecast $1.13 dividend in FY27, investors would need to buy 8,849 shares to generate the same $10,000 in annual passive income.

    How much would that cost?

    At the time of writing, Woolworths shares are $38.85 each.

    That means, in order to buy the 10,309 shares needed for $10,000 of passive income in FY26, you would need to invest roughly $400,515. 

    For FY27, you’d need to invest $343,783 to buy the 8,849 shares needed for the same annual passive income.

    It’s not a small amount, but it could be worth it in the long run.

    And remember, you don’t need to invest the entire amount in one go. Start off small and let compound growth do some of the work for you.

    The post How many Woolworths shares do I need to earn $10,000 per year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Woolworths 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 Woolworths 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 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.

  • Ainsworth Game Technology posts lower H1 FY26 profit and revenue

    A smiling woman sits in a cafe reading a story on her phone about Rio Tinto and drinking a coffee with a laptop open in front of her.

    The Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd (ASX: AGI) share price is in focus after the company reported first-half FY26 revenue of $116.5 million, down 23% on last year, and statutory profit after tax of $1.1 million, a significant decrease from $4.9 million in the previous corresponding period.

    What did Ainsworth Game Technology report?

    • Revenue: $116.5 million, down 23% from H1 FY25
    • Underlying EBITDA: $17.1 million, down 36% year-on-year
    • Statutory profit after tax: $1.1 million, down 78%
    • Operating cashflow: $8.9 million, a $13.6 million improvement from the prior period
    • Net debt: reduced to $8.5 million from $11.8 million
    • No interim dividend declared

    What else do investors need to know?

    Ainsworth’s performance reflects challenging trading conditions across all regions, including weaker consumer sentiment and increased regulation, especially in its largest market, North America. The removal of Historical Horse Racing machines in New Hampshire and a higher Mexican gaming tax also weighed on results.

    Despite a dip in total machines under gaming operation, the Asia Pacific business delivered growth with strong demand for the A-STAR Raptor™ range and increasing average selling prices. The company continues to invest heavily in R&D, making up 22% of revenue, and is actively expanding its use of AI across the business.

    Ainsworth recently entered a licensing agreement with Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), involving a $8.5 million payment over three and a half years, settling historical patent issues. This has resulted in a one-off provision expense of $2.3 million this half.

    What did Ainsworth Game Technology management say?

    AGT CEO Ryan Comstock said:

    Given the challenging trading conditions, our focus has been on disciplined cost management to enhance margins, reducing debt, and improving our operating cash flow whilst also continuing our investment in R&D, and successfully launching new products in key markets.

    What’s next for Ainsworth Game Technology?

    Looking ahead, AGT is focused on rolling out new products, including the Dragon Legacy and A-STAR Raptor cabinets, especially in North America and Latin America. The integration of AI in development processes is expected to boost efficiency and product quality without ramping up costs.

    The company is aiming to drive revenue growth by delivering more competitive and innovative products in all markets, with a disciplined approach to financial management and cost control to create long-term value for shareholders.

    Ainsworth Game Technology share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Ainsworth Game Technology shares have risen 11%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the sme period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Ainsworth Game Technology posts lower H1 FY26 profit and revenue appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Ainsworth Game Technology right now?

    Before you buy Ainsworth Game Technology 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 Ainsworth Game Technology 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

  • Lynas Rare Earths posts record FY26 profit and revenue as growth ramps up

    Focused man entrepreneur with glasses working, looking at laptop screen thinking about something intently while sitting in the office.

    The Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price is falling on Wednesday despite the company reporting record revenue of $977.9 million and net profit after tax (NPAT) of $222.4 million for FY26.

    What did Lynas Rare Earths report?

    • Revenue: $977.9 million, up 76% from FY25
    • Net Profit After Tax (NPAT): $222.4 million, a huge jump from $8.0 million last year
    • EBITDA: $386.0 million, up 282% on FY25
    • No dividend declared or paid for the period
    • Net tangible assets per share: 350.91 cents, up from 250.62 cents
    • Cash and short-term deposits: $1,209.1 million at 30 June 2026

    What else do investors need to know?

    Lynas delivered record rare earth production volumes, with ready-for-sale rare earth oxide (REO) output up 25% to 13,089 tonnes and neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) production up 11% to 7,260 tonnes. This helped drive a record average selling price of $80.7/kg across all rare earth products.

    The company strengthened its balance sheet following the successful completion of a $750 million institutional placement and a $182 million share purchase plan. These funds will support Lynas’ Towards 2030 growth strategy, which focuses on ramping up production and expanding into the downstream magnet and metal supply chain outside China.

    In addition, Lynas renewed its Malaysia operating licence for 10 years, providing greater certainty for long-term investment. Major projects such as the Mt Weld expansion and a new hybrid renewable power station were completed during the year, improving operational efficiency and sustainability.

    What’s next for Lynas Rare Earths?

    Lynas continues to progress its Towards 2030 growth strategy by expanding production capacity, resource development at Mt Weld, and increasing heavy rare earth product output at its Malaysian facility. The company has signed significant supply agreements with Japanese and US customers, providing price floors and reducing volatility.

    A key focus for the year ahead is ramping up new assets, further improving sustainability (with 93% renewable energy for Mt Weld operations in 2H FY26), and growing its presence in the global magnet and metal supply chain. The board is also conducting a global search for a new CEO following Amanda Lacaze’s retirement.

    Lynas Rare Earths share price snapshot

    Over the past year, the Lynas Rare Earths share price has beaten the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) with a gain of 12%.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Lynas Rare Earths posts record FY26 profit and revenue as growth ramps up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Lynas Rare Earths Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Lynas Rare Earths 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 Lynas Rare Earths 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 James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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.

  • Strong profit growth shines in Nickel Industries half-year 2026 earnings

    Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.

    The Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC) share price is pushing higher today after the company delivered a sharp improvement in profit and significant growth in revenue for the half-year ended 30 June 2026.

    What did Nickel Industries report?

    • Sales revenue increased 13% to US$938.4 million from US$829.7 million a year ago
    • Adjusted EBITDA rose 46% to US$247.6 million
    • Net profit after tax surged 191% to US$74.3 million
    • Profit attributable to shareholders soared 366% to US$52.5 million
    • No interim dividend declared
    • Net tangible assets per share steady at US$0.565

    What else do investors need to know?

    The company produced a total of 62,019 tonnes of finished nickel metal across its rotary-kiln electric furnace (RKEF) and high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) operations. It mined over 8.1 million tonnes of nickel ore at the Hengjaya Mine, including both saprolite and limonite.

    During the half, Nickel Industries secured important project milestones, including completion of the final equity acquisition in the Excelsior Nickel Cobalt (ENC) project, increasing its stake to 46%. The business also announced investments in new Indonesian HPAL projects, including Teluk Metal Industry (TMI) and Chengsheng New Energy (CNE), aimed at supporting future growth in the electric vehicle battery market.

    Safety also remained a highlight, with no lost time injuries recorded during the period, and the Hengjaya Mine achieving a fourth consecutive Green PROPER award for environmental compliance.

    What’s next for Nickel Industries?

    Nickel Industries plans to capitalise on growing demand for nickel in the global battery sector by ramping up production from both RKEF and new HPAL projects. Commissioning at the ENC HPAL plant has commenced, with maiden mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) production delivered in July and first nickel cathode produced in August.

    Further investments in TMI and CNE HPAL projects are expected to underpin long-term growth, with supply agreements in place to support downstream processing and product diversification. The company is also advancing its Indonesian mine resource base, while keeping a focus on operating safety and sustainability.

    Nickel Industries share price snapshot

    The Nickel Industries share price is outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) on a 12-month basis with a gain of over 20%.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Strong profit growth shines in Nickel Industries half-year 2026 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Nickel Industries right now?

    Before you buy Nickel Industries 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 Nickel Industries 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.

  • Resimac Group FY26 earnings: Profit grows and dividends increase

    A young investor working on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop.

    The Resimac Group Ltd (ASX: RMC) share price is in focus after the lender reported an 18% rise in normalised operating profit and a 26% lift in normalised NPAT for FY26.

    What did Resimac Group report?

    • Normalised operating profit before impairment expense and tax grew 18% to $92.9 million.
    • Normalised NPAT rose 26% to $49.9 million; statutory NPAT climbed 42% to $49.2 million.
    • Assets under management (AUM) increased 4% to $16.5 billion, with home loans up 10% to $14.7 billion and asset finance up 7% to $1.5 billion.
    • Origination volumes rose 16% to $6.7 billion, while application volumes jumped 17% to $10.5 billion.
    • Cost to income ratio improved by 60 basis points to 53.0%.
    • Fully franked final dividend of 6.0 cents per share, bringing total FY26 dividends (including a special) to 19.0 cents.

    What else do investors need to know?

    Resimac’s group net interest margin increased 5 basis points to 1.59%, helped by improved funding economics and stronger asset finance margins. The home loan margin remained steady despite a competitive lending environment.

    The company’s disciplined management reduced impairment expenses by 5% to $21.4 million, reflecting stable credit quality and improved recoveries. Strategic investments in people and technology supported higher operating income as the Group focused on scalable foundations for long-term growth.

    The board declared a fully franked final dividend of 6.0 cents per share, up 2.5 cents on the prior year. Together with the interim and special dividends, the total payout rose 43% year-on-year, reflecting Resimac’s commitment to balanced capital returns and growth.

    What did Resimac Group management say?

    Pete Lirantzis, Chief Executive Officer, said:

    FY26 was a year of stronger earnings, disciplined growth and improved returns. We grew operating profit, expanded margins, maintained strong credit quality and increased shareholder returns while continuing to invest in the foundations of future growth.

    What’s next for Resimac Group?

    Looking ahead to FY27, Resimac is aiming to cement its position as the ‘Home of Intelligent Lending’ by deepening customer engagement, leveraging technology, and supporting brokers to deliver better outcomes for borrowers.

    The company is focused on sustainable home loan growth and higher risk-adjusted returns in asset finance. Management believes recent operational and technology investments will drive resilience, scalability, and long-term value for shareholders.

    Resimac Group share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, Resmiac 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 Resimac Group FY26 earnings: Profit grows and dividends increase appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you buy Resimac 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 Resimac 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 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.

  • Neuren Pharmaceuticals reports lower profit but launches first dividend

    Happy, tablet or doctor in a laboratory with research results or positive feedback after medical data analysis. Smile, vaccine or healthcare worker reading or working on futuristic science innovation.

    The Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) share price may be on watch today after the company delivered an 8% increase in revenue to $42.7 million for the half-year ended 30 June 2026, and announced its first ever dividend.

    What did Neuren Pharmaceuticals report?

    • Revenue rose 8% to $42.7 million (H1 2025: $39.7 million)
    • Net profit after tax dropped 68% to $4.9 million (H1 2025: $15.0 million)
    • Basic earnings per share was 3.83 cents (H1 2025: 11.88 cents)
    • Fully franked interim dividend of 15 cents per share declared
    • Royalty income from DAYBUE (trofinetide) up 29% in US dollars to US$23.3 million
    • Research and development costs increased to $27.4 million, up $12.5 million

    What else do investors need to know?

    Neuren’s royalty income is primarily from DAYBUE sales by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, which posted US$226 million net sales in H1 2026, up 25% on last year. Growth was buoyed by the launch of DAYBUE STIX, a new powder formulation, in the US.

    The company’s research spend climbed as it advanced its Phase 3 study of NNZ-2591 in Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Neuren also implemented an on-market share buy-back, repurchasing $3.9 million in shares.

    Importantly for shareholders, Neuren’s new dividend policy has resulted in a fully franked interim dividend, to be paid in October. This marks the company’s first ever payout and reflects its confidence in ongoing royalty streams.

    What did Neuren Pharmaceuticals management say?

    Neuren’s CEO, Jonathan Pilcher, commented:

    Neuren’s substantial income from trofinetide means that we are in the enviable position of being able to fund all development programs for NNZ-2591 aiming for significant capital appreciation, as well as optimise total shareholder return through ongoing fully franked dividends.

    What’s next for Neuren Pharmaceuticals?

    Looking ahead, Neuren expects continued growth in global DAYBUE sales, with Acadia guiding for 2026 net sales of US$480–510 million. The first commercial launch in Europe is targeted for Q4 2026, following a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency.

    Neuren will also focus on progressing its NNZ-2591 clinical programs, with key FDA meetings scheduled and trial sites ramping up for rare neurodevelopmental disorders. Management aims to leverage these investments into further royalty income and milestone payments.

    Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price snapshot

    The Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a gain of over 25%.

    View Original Announcement

    The post Neuren Pharmaceuticals reports lower profit but launches first dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Neuren Pharmaceuticals right now?

    Before you buy Neuren Pharmaceuticals 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 Neuren Pharmaceuticals 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.

  • COG Financial Services lifts profit 28% and grows dividend for FY26

    A company manager presents the ASX company earnings report to shareholders at an AGM.

    The COG Financial Services Ltd (ASX: COG) share price is in focus after reporting a 28% lift in EBITDA attributable to shareholders to $51.5 million for FY26, with earnings per share up 27% and a higher final dividend declared.

    What did COG Financial Services report?

    • EBITDA to shareholders of $51.5 million, up 28% on FY25
    • Earnings per share (EPSA) of 15.63 cents, up 27% year on year
    • Fully franked final dividend of 3.5 cents per share, up 17%
    • Net Assets Financed lifted 8% to $9.0 billion
    • Salary packaging customer numbers surged 31% to 68,510
    • Novated lease customers up 98% to 22,281

    What else do investors need to know?

    COG made strategic moves in FY26, acquiring 100% of Easifleet Pty Ltd and lifting its stake in Fleet Network Pty Ltd through subsidiaries. These investments have supported strong customer growth, particularly across the salary packaging and novated leasing lines, with demand bolstered by government electric vehicle incentives.

    The Group’s Broking & Aggregation business remained stable, and management noted continued focus on investing in digital platforms to enhance customer experience. COG also maintained its dividend reinvestment plan suspension for the final dividend.

    What did COG Financial Services management say?

    Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bennett said:

    COG’s underlying EBITDA to shareholders grew 28% on the prior year, driven by strong organic growth and disciplined acquisitions. Salary Packaging led the way with 51% revenue growth, thanks to volume gains and a recent acquisition, while the rest of the Group performed solidly despite continued investment in people and systems. These results show the strength of our diversified business and our disciplined approach to growth.

    What’s next for COG Financial Services?

    Looking ahead, COG targets EBITDA growth of 10% or better in FY27, banking on continued strong results in salary packaging as electric vehicle adoption rises. Management is also backing technology and AI investments to further streamline operations and grow the business.

    COG aims to expand its Broking & Aggregation services, reduce client churn, and pursue bolt-on acquisitions if the right opportunities arise. The company also expects further geographic expansion from its Equity-One unit.

    COG Financial Services share price snapshot

    Over the past 12 months, COG Financial Services shares have declined 18%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

    View Original Announcement

    The post COG Financial Services lifts profit 28% and grows dividend for FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Cog Financial Services right now?

    Before you buy Cog Financial Services 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 Cog Financial Services 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.

  • 3 ASX dividend shares that pay their investors every single month

    Ascending piles of coins and plants in three jars, with a hand putting a coin in the first jar.

    There are many ASX dividend shares on the market that pay investors a consistent, reliable passive income.

    The majority of them distribute cash to their shareholders every 6 or 12 months. But did you know there are a handful of shares that pay out much more frequently?

    Here are three of my favourite ASX shares that pay dividends every month.

    BetaShares Dividend Harvester Active ETF (ASX: HVST

    HVST is an ASX-listed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides investors with exposure to a portfolio of up to 60 dividend-paying shares. It doesn’t track an index; instead, it targets exposure to high-dividend stocks drawn from the 100 largest ASX-listed companies.

    Its portfolio 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.

    And the fund is structured so that it can own a share until it trades ex-dividend. At this point, the fund sells the shares and reinvests the proceeds into its next passive income-generating shares.

    HVST pays its shareholders a franked dividend income every single month.  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.

    At the time of writing, HVST shares are up around 1% year to date and trading at $13.65 per share.

    Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (ASX: MOT)

    The MOT is a listed investment trust  (LIT) with a portfolio of private credit and related opportunities. Its portfolio can give investors direct exposure to private credit investments, which have become an increasingly popular asset class.

    The Trust said its investment objective is to provide monthly cash income, preserve investor capital, and manage investment risks. It also seeks to provide upside potential through investments in private credit and other assets. These “other assets” include warrants, options, preference shares, and equity.

    The Trust targets a cash yield of 7% per year, paid monthly. It has a total target return of 8% to 10% per year, net of fees and expenses. 

    The Trust also has a distribution reinvestment plan (DRP), which allows its shareholders to reinvest their monthly income distributions.

    The ASX dividend share’s most recent payout to shareholders was an unfranked 1.11-cent dividend paid earlier this month. The Trust paid out 2.62 cents in July, 1.16 cents in June, and 1.22 cents in April. This translates to a dividend yield of around 9.5%, at the time of writing.

    At the time of writing, MOT shares are down around 14% year to date and trading at $1.62 per share.

    Plato Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: PL8)

    Plato is another LIC, but one that specifically targets income-focused investors, such as retirees and SMSF investors, who need a dependable income stream. 

    The ASX dividend stock holds a portfolio of mature ASX-listed equities, cash, and listed futures. It mostly focuses on Australian companies with strong dividend payouts, such as major banks, mining giants, and energy firms. 

    Its goal is to generate a high, franked income stream for investors and to consistently deliver above-market dividends and total returns, including franking credits. 

    Plato has consistently paid fully-franked dividends of 0.55 cents per share every month since April 2022. That equates to an annual running total of 6.6 cents per share in fully-franked passive income, yielding around 4.6%.

    At the time of writing, Plato shares are trading at $1.40 each, down around 4% for the year to date.

    The post 3 ASX dividend shares that pay their investors every single month 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.