Author: openjargon

There are plenty of good shares on the ASX. But being a good share and being a good investment at today’s price aren’t necessarily the same thing.

That is something I think investors should keep in mind, particularly when looking at some of the market’s biggest and most popular names.

I’ve compared five ASX shares that have earned strong reputations over many years and each has qualities that could justify a place in a long-term portfolio.

The question is whether those qualities are already reflected in their share prices.

I’ve looked at their competitive positions, earnings outlooks, financial strength, and valuations before deciding which I would buy today and which I would rather leave on my watchlist.

Here’s what I found.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

I have no trouble seeing why BHP deserves its reputation as one of the best ASX mining shares.

Its copper operations are becoming increasingly important, and I think this is an excellent place to be positioned for the long term.

Copper is needed for everything from electricity networks and renewable energy to data centres and industrial equipment. Increasing demand, combined with the difficulty of developing major new mines, could support attractive prices over time.

BHP also has the assets, experience, and financial resources to invest in additional production without relying entirely on the success of a single project.

In FY 2026, copper overtook iron ore as its biggest earnings contributor, demonstrating how the business is changing.

My hesitation is the share price. After a rise of around 40% over the past 12 months, I think a lot of the good news is already reflected in BHP’s valuation. That leaves me seeing BHP shares as roughly fair value rather than an obvious bargain.

In light of this, I would prefer to wait for a pullback before considering a purchase.

And as I worked through the other four companies, I found myself reaching a similar conclusion with several of them. They are excellent businesses, but their share prices don’t necessarily offer enough value to make me want to buy today.

However, there was one exception. It is a company that I believe has a significant growth opportunity ahead of it, and unlike the others, its valuation still looks reasonable.

Of the five ASX shares I compared, it is the one I would be buying today.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

CBA is an outstanding bank. I don’t think many investors would seriously dispute that.

It has a strong market position, a huge deposit base, and a history of generating impressive returns for shareholders.

It also enjoys considerable support from retail investors, institutions, and superannuation funds, which helps explain why its shares have continued to command a premium to the other major banks.

For example, based on consensus estimates, CBA shares are trading at around 22 times FY 2027 earnings.

That is a demanding multiple for a mature bank, particularly with interest rates rising again. Higher rates could put pressure on borrowers, while competition for deposits and lending could weigh on margins.

I expect CBA to remain a great business. I just don’t see enough potential return to justify buying its shares today.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is a company I have enormous respect for and would happily own in a long-term portfolio.

It has built an outstanding global healthcare business, particularly in plasma therapies, where its scale and expertise give it a strong competitive position.

And despite its recent difficulties, I still believe CSL has a bright future ahead of it.

However, I think the best opportunity to buy this ASX share was when it was trading around $90 earlier this year.

At that price, investors were getting a high-quality business at a bargain valuation. Since then, CSL shares have more than doubled, and I think they now look fairly valued.

There is also still some uncertainty surrounding the company, particularly with its leadership and efforts to improve operational performance.

I remain positive on CSL’s long-term prospects, but after such a strong recovery in its share price, I don’t see enough value to justify buying today. For me, CSL is a hold rather than a buy.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

If I were ranking these companies purely on management quality and capital allocation, Wesfarmers would be near the top.

The company has built an excellent collection of businesses, with Bunnings and Kmart particularly good examples of brands that Australians keep returning to.

I’ve also been impressed by management’s willingness to invest in new opportunities, change direction, and exit businesses when the economics don’t stack up.

That discipline has helped Wesfarmers create substantial shareholder wealth over time.

And it is still delivering. Underlying net profit increased 8.3% in FY 2026, demonstrating that its businesses can continue making progress even when households are watching their spending.

However, investors have generally been willing to pay a premium for this consistency. Even after pulling back from its highs, Wesfarmers trades at around 30 times earnings.

I think the company will continue performing well, but at that valuation, much of its future growth could already be reflected in the share price.

For that reason, I would prefer to wait for a more appealing entry point.

ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD)

That leaves ResMed, which I think is one of the best ASX shares to buy today.

ResMed makes devices and masks used to treat sleep apnoea, a condition affecting millions of people around the world.

What I like is that its growth doesn’t depend on creating demand for something people don’t need.

A huge number of sleep apnoea sufferers remain undiagnosed or untreated. As awareness and diagnosis improve, more people could start using ResMed’s products.

And patients don’t just buy a machine and disappear. Masks and related supplies need replacing, providing an ongoing source of revenue alongside sales to new patients.

The company’s latest results show how well the business is performing. FY 2026 revenue increased 10% to US$5.7 billion, while free cash flow reached US$1.6 billion. That gives ResMed the financial capacity to develop new products, expand internationally, and reward shareholders.

Yet despite these qualities, its valuation looks reasonable to me, with ResMed shares trading at around 19 times forward earnings.

I think this makes it a great example of quality at a reasonable price, or QARP.

ResMed isn’t without competition or regulatory risks, and its growth won’t be perfectly smooth. But of these five ASX shares, I think it offers the best combination of business quality, long-term earnings potential, and a valuation that leaves room for attractive shareholder returns.

That makes it my top pick today.

The post I compared 5 of the ASX's best shares. Here's which one I'd buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Westpac vs BHP: Which ASX giant is the better buy right now?
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, ResMed, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, CSL, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares closed the day around 1% lower on Wednesday, at $10.12 a piece.

The shares have now fallen around 33% so far in 2026 and they’re roughly 15% lower than 12 months ago.

The company has faced several headwinds as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global travel plans. Its latest FY26 result was also weaker than expected, including a decline in underlying profit before tax which came in around 2% below market expectations. Its leisure division missed consensus by about 8%.

The company also expects travel to be subdued through the first half of FY27 while the conflict still goes unresolved. Flight Centre expects corporate earnings to be more heavily weighted toward the second half, with first-half profit likely to come in below last year.

But the good news about the ASX travel stock is it offers investors more than just capital gains. It also dishes out a steady passive income stream by way of divided payments.

What makes Flight Centre shares an attractive passive income option?

The business is large in scale, with a huge global reach across both corporate and leisure travel segments. 

The company’s strong position in the global corporate travel market means it is able to earn a diverse but consistent earnings stream which it can then pass on to shareholders.

How many Flight Centre shares can I buy with $5,000?

Using the $10.12 share price at the time of writing, a $5,000 investment will buy approximately 494 shares.

What dividend does the travel company pay its shareholders?

Flight Centre has a history of paying fully franked dividends twice per year, dating back to 2004.

But there was an exception during the Covid-19 pandemic years. Flight Centre did not pay dividends in 2020, 2021, or 2022 due to widespread lockdowns, closed international and domestic borders, and limited travel. 

The company resumed its dividend payments in 2023.

Flight Centre is expected to pay its shareholders a final FY26 fully-franked 30-cent dividend on Friday. This brings the FY26 total dividend to 42 cents per share.

At the time of writing, that translates to a dividend yield of around 4.1% for the year.

According to Commsec data, the travel company is expected to pay 48 cents per share in FY27. It is then forecasted to pay 52.3 cents per share in FY28, and 56.5 cents per share in FY29.

Using the share price at the time of writing, that translates to forward dividend yields of around 4.7%, 5.2%, and 5.6% respectively.

Ok, so what could I earn off a $5,000 investment in FY27?

If Flight Centre pays shareholders the expected 48-cent fully-franked dividend in FY27, then a $5,000 investment (or 494 shares) would generate around $237.12 in FY27.

Assuming the company then pays the 52.3 cent and 56.5 cent dividend forecasted for FY28 and FY29, investors could earn a passive income of around $258.36 and $279.11 off the same $5,000 investment.

The post If I invest $5,000 in Flight Centre shares, what passive income could I earn in FY27? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 recommended 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.

The Centuria Industrial REIT (ASX: CIP) share price was in focus after the trust announced about 25,000sqm in new lease agreements for Q1 FY27, with an average re-leasing spread of 31%. Management also reaffirmed full-year FFO guidance and highlighted progress on sustainability and data centre initiatives.

What did Centuria Industrial REIT report?

• Approximately 25,000sqm of new leasing agreed in the first quarter of FY27
• Average re-leasing spreads of 31% year to date
• Divestment of 22 Hawkins Crescent, Bundamba for $34.25 million, matching book value
• Continued progress on data centre strategy and renewable energy partnership
• FY27 FFO guidance reaffirmed at 18.8-19.2 cpu (up to 5.5% above FY26)
• Distribution guidance of 17.3 cpu (3% above FY26), to be paid quarterly

What else do investors need to know?

Centuria Industrial REIT’s recent leasing activity builds on strong FY26 volumes, giving it a good runway for further earnings growth. Around 17% of the portfolio remains under-rented, with more than half of leases expiring in the next three years currently below market rents.

The sale of the Bundamba property to an owner-occupier removes a potential vacancy risk and supports the trust’s strategy of focusing on smaller, well-located industrial assets. About 40% of divestments since FY25 have been to owner-occupiers, helping support valuations in a challenging market.

On the sustainability front, the trust’s partnership with Energy Bay could unlock additional income from rooftop solar and supports CIP’s target of zero scope 2 emissions by 2028. The trust also improved its GRESB benchmark score to 74.5 for 2026.

What did Centuria Industrial REIT management say?

Grant Nichols, CIP Fund Manager and Centuria Head of Listed Funds, said:

During the quarter, CIP continued its active portfolio management, delivering leasing outcomes across c.25,000sqm of GLA, building on the near-record leasing volumes achieved in FY26. These strong leasing results contribute to strong NOI growth and tangible FFO growth across CIP’s portfolio.

What’s next for Centuria Industrial REIT?

Management is pressing ahead with its data centre strategy, with a pipeline of more than 250MW of potential power capacity and opportunities to convert suitable industrial assets over time. While major data centre developments are expected from FY28 and beyond, this dual-track approach offers promise for long-term value.

Centuria reaffirmed its FY27 FFO and distribution guidance, and aims to capitalise on the significant embedded value across the portfolio through ongoing leasing, asset repositioning, and capital management.

Centuria Industrial REIT share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Centuria Industrial REIT shares have declined 19%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has fallen 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Centuria Industrial REIT earnings: Leasing momentum and guidance reaffirmed 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.

Droneshield vs Xero shares: Which tech stock could deliver better growth for 30-somethings?

It’s never been more exciting — or more challenging — to weigh up two standout tech names on the ASX. On one hand, we have Droneshield Ltd (ASX: DRO), a smaller but headline-grabbing defence-tech player. On the other is Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), the established favourite in cloud-based accounting software. For 30-year-old investors eager to back the next wave of tech-driven growth, choosing between these two can feel like picking your favourite child! I’ll break down how their businesses, financials, valuations, and share price momentum stack up to help you decide which, if any, deserves a place in your growth portfolio.

The case for Droneshield

Droneshield operates at the cutting edge of counter-drone technology. Its AI-powered hardware and software aim to protect people and critical sites from malicious drone use — think government buildings, airports, and military bases. The company sells products like DroneGun and DroneSentry to customers in Australia, the US, and the UK. According to its most recent public description, Droneshield’s solutions are used by government, military, airports, prisons, and major venues.

Looking at fundamentals, a few things stand out:

• Droneshield’s current market cap sits at $1.42 billion, putting it at the smaller end of the tech sector, especially compared to major SaaS peers like Xero.
• The P/E ratio clocks in at a whopping 433.75 — but with negative earnings per share (-$0.033), I’ll flag right up front that this P/E seems to be based on an adjusted or forward metric, as it’s mathematically inconsistent with the negative EPS.
• No dividends are being paid, with a Dividend Yield of 0%. That fits its profile as an early-stage, growth-hungry tech company.

For risk-tolerant investors hoping to back a fast-moving, innovative niche (especially one with plenty of defence sector tailwinds), Droneshield could tick the right boxes. However, its high valuation metrics reflect both its future promise and the market’s hefty expectations.

The case for Xero

Founded in New Zealand, Xero has become a powerhouse in online accounting software, focusing on small to medium businesses globally. It earns revenue through recurring monthly subscriptions and is widely recognised for its user-friendly, cloud-first approach. Xero’s leadership in cloud accounting means it enjoys sticky, high-margin revenue and an established brand.

Drilling into the numbers:

• Xero boasts a much larger market cap at $10.16 billion, reflecting its status as a dominant player in the SaaS landscape.
• Its P/E ratio is 49.87. Like Droneshield, though, the EPS figure is negative (-$0.158), again highlighting some inconsistency between reported earnings and the valuation calculation — the P/E is almost certainly using an adjusted or forward measure.
• Xero doesn’t pay a dividend (Dividend Yield: 0.00%). Its growth strategy leans into reinvestment rather than payouts.

For investors seeking exposure to a global SaaS business with proven growth and a track record of disrupting traditional accounting, Xero remains a leading candidate.

Valuation comparison

Both tech stocks demand steep prices for their growth ambitions — but there’s still daylight between them when you look closer.

Metric	Droneshield	Xero
Market Cap	$1.42 billion	$10.16 billion
P/E Ratio	433.75*	49.87*
Dividend Yield	0.00%	0.00%
Earnings per share (EPS)	-0.033	-0.158
Year to Date Return	-50.3%	-47.6%

*Note: Both companies’ reported P/E ratios may be based on different earnings measures (e.g. underlying or forward earnings) than the negative EPS figures shown, which is why they may appear inconsistent.

Neither stock currently pays a dividend. Both trade at extremely high earnings multiples, although given their negative EPS, it’s worth noting that these are ‘growth story’ valuations rather than stand-alone profitability.

Recent share price momentum

Let’s look at short-term price action up to 13 October 2026:

• As of 13 Oct 2026, Droneshield closed at $1.53. Its year-to-date return is a harsh -50.3%.
• Xero, on the same date, last traded at $59.71 (most recent prior day). Its year-to-date return stands at -47.6%.
• Both have suffered steep falls in 2026, each losing close to half their value in the year to date.
• Neither company is showing positive short-term momentum — recent trading has been volatile and predominantly negative.

Which is the better buy?

For a 30-year-old ASX investor chasing growth, picking between Droneshield and Xero right now is tough — both have huge addressable markets, disruptive tech, and (frankly) battered share prices after a tough 2026.

If I absolutely had to choose for a multi-year growth seat, my pick would be Xero. Here’s why: Xero enjoys an entrenched global customer base and a proven SaaS model, while Droneshield, though exciting and operating in a hot defence-tech space, is much smaller and still unprofitable. Both share prices have been under the pump lately, but Xero’s scale and recurring revenue stream, plus its industry leadership in cloud accounting, give me greater confidence it can weather volatile periods and recapture long-term growth. Droneshield could certainly deliver massive returns if everything goes right — but for someone in their thirties looking to back growth with a bit less risk, I’d lean toward the blue-chip disruptor over the small-cap spec play.

The post Droneshield vs Xero: Which ASX tech stock is the better buy for a young growth investor? 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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. 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 draft. 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.

The DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (ASX: DGT) share price is in focus after the company secured a 15-year, 71MW contract at its SYD1 data centre and reaffirmed its FY27 EBITDA guidance.

What did DigiCo Infrastructure REIT report?

• 15-year contract for 71MW at SYD1 signed with a global technology firm backed by investment grade credit
• SYD1 now 100% contracted across 88MW of total capacity
• Weighted average lease expiry extended to over 10 years; annual rent escalations average 3%
• Design & Construct contract finalised for SYD1 52MW expansion, fully funded with no new equity needed
• FY27 underlying EBITDA guidance reaffirmed at $120–125 million

What else do investors need to know?

The recently inked SYD1 contract includes reallocating 20MW of previously leased capacity to the new customer. The remaining 17MW of SYD1’s capacity is leased to co-location customers, with renewal rental growth averaging around 8% since DigiCo’s IPO.

DigiCo has locked in a fixed-price design and construction deal for the ongoing expansion at SYD1, which remains on track and fully funded through existing liquidity and asset sale proceeds. The first 10MW of this expanded capacity is expected to be operational and generating income in late Q4 FY27, with the balance delivered in FY28.

What did DigiCo Infrastructure REIT management say?

Simon Mitchell, Co-Head and Chief Financial Officer of DGT, said:

Execution of the 71MW contract at SYD1 is a key milestone for DGT, taking the site to 100% contracted across 88MW of total capacity. The 15-year agreement with a global technology firm provides long-term earnings visibility, supported by investment grade credit backing. It validates the quality of our infrastructure and strengthens the quality of cashflows from our portfolio. When we acquired SYD1, our business plan was to fully lease and develop the site to 88MW over five years, and we now expect to reach that milestone well ahead of our original plan.

What’s next for DigiCo Infrastructure REIT?

DigiCo says its strategy is to steadily grow contracted capacity through the delivery of the SYD1 and ADL1 expansions. Together, these projects are expected to underpin DigiCo’s pathway to around $250 million in annual Australian Platform Stabilised EBITDA once fully operational.

Management reaffirmed FY27 EBITDA guidance, noting the expansion is fully funded and on schedule, with staged delivery designed to meet customer requirements. No new equity capital is required for current growth plans.

DigiCo Infrastructure REIT share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, DigiCo Infrastructure shares have declined 32%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post DigiCo Infrastructure REIT locks in major SYD1 contract and reaffirms guidance 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.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) shares have fallen further into the red on Thursday.

In Thursday morning trade, the shares hit a 52-week low of $1.42, down 4%. At the time of writing, the shares are trading at $1.44, down 3.37%.

The counter-drone operator’s shares have now crashed by 57% so far in 2026. They’re also down a huge 72% compared to this time last year.

Just a year ago, DroneShield shares were riding a wave of booming investor interest. But in late 2025 and into early 2026, they turned a corner and have been mostly tumbling ever since.

What happened to DroneShield shares?

DroneShield shares started the year strong amid a surge in conflict in the Middle East. During this time, governments around the world hiked their defence budgets.

But investors soon started to shy away from the technology stock following concerns that its growth prospects are out of kilter with its share price growth.

The share sell-off accelerated in May when DroneShield announced that it is being investigated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

ASIC’s investigation is ongoing and relates to market announcements and share trading in November 2025.

Sentiment slumped even further when the company posted a disappointing first-half FY26 result in August.

DroneShield posted a 74% increase in revenue for the six months ending 30th of June, and a 229% increase in recurring revenue. 

But the company also reported a statutory net loss after tax of $32.2 million, compared with a $2.1 million profit a year earlier. 

Meanwhile, underlying EBITDA also came in at a $12.4 million loss, compared with an $8 million profit posted in the first half of FY25.

DroneShield’s revenue came in line with guidance expectations. But recurring revenue was a miss, at $11.5 million versus guidance of $14.2 million for the six-month period. And investors weren’t impressed.

The share price was further depressed by news of DroneShield’s newly appointed chief financial officer, Rebecca Lowde, and new non-executive director, Lynne Saint. It’s not uncommon for investors to sell up on leadership changes because it implies potential for new uncertainties.

Even news last month that DroneShield’s revenue is on track with FY26 guidance wasn’t enough to reignite investor confidence.

What should I do with my shares now? Sell up, or wait and hold?

It looks like the experts are divided. TradingView data shows that, of four analysts, two have a strong buy rating, one has a hold rating, and one has a strong sell rating. 

The average $2.01 target price implies a potential 40% upside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing. And some are even more optimistic that the shares have the potential to climb another 81% to $2.60 a piece.

And my view?

The ASIC investigation is concerning, and I think the share price did run too far earlier this year. But DroneShield is still continuing to generate new contracts, and a new leadership change might be exactly what the business needs to move into the next stage of growth.

I’d wait and hold for now.

The post Down another 4% to a 52-week low. What should I do with my DroneShield shares now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Droneshield vs Xero: Which ASX tech stock is the better buy for a young growth investor?
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• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Could the DroneShield share price reach $2 in 2027?
• Life360 vs Droneshield: Which ASX tech stock is a better buy?

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 positions in and has recommended DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The GQG Partners Ltd (ASX: GQG) share price is in focus today after the company declared a third-quarter dividend of US$0.0327 (AUD$0.0467) per share, representing 90% of its distributable earnings for the period ended 30 September 2026.

What did GQG Partners report?

• Declared quarterly dividend of US$0.0327 per share (AUD$0.0467), subject to rounding
• Dividend payout equals 90% of third-quarter distributable earnings
• Ex-dividend date: 20 October 2026
• Record date: 21 October 2026; payment date: 16 December 2026

What else do investors need to know?

GQG Partners continues to operate as a global investment boutique, managing active equity portfolios for a wide range of institutional investors. The announcement highlights the company’s commitment to returning capital to shareholders with a high payout ratio.

The dividend is converted from USD to AUD based on the exchange rate as at 14 October 2026, which was 0.70015 US dollars per one Australian dollar. Shareholders should note that final dividend amounts may be subject to minor rounding adjustments.

What’s next for GQG Partners?

Investors can expect the next key event to be the ex-dividend date on 20 October 2026, followed by the cash dividend payment scheduled for 16 December 2026. GQG Partners is likely to maintain its active management approach and regular dividend payments, in line with its publicly stated policy of distributing a significant portion of earnings.

Looking forward, shareholders will be watching for further financial updates and any changes to the company’s distribution approach.

GQG Partners share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, GQG Partners shares have declined 31%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 3% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post GQG Partners declares Q3 2026 dividend for shareholders 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 recommended Gqg Partners. 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.

The ARB Corporation Ltd (ASX: ARB) share price is in focus today after the 4×4 accessories manufacturer announced a 3.8% drop in FY26 sales revenue to $702.0 million, while net profit after tax slid 5.2% to $92.4 million.

What did ARB Corporation report?

• FY26 sales revenue: $702.0 million, down 3.8% year on year
• Net profit after tax (NPAT): $92.4 million, down 5.2%
• Basic earnings per share: $1.11, down 5.9%
• Fully franked interim dividend: 34 cents paid in April 2026
• Fully franked final dividend: 35 cents to be paid in October 2026 (unchanged)
• Net cash holdings: $47.9 million; zero debt as at 30 June 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Despite a challenging year for new vehicle sales and macroeconomic headwinds, ARB managed to hold margins firm and maintain its dividend. The most significant sales decline came from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers, down 27.2%, reflecting a lull between new vehicle model cycles and supply constraints for major platforms like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

International performance was mixed, with export sales slightly up by 0.5% to $268.4 million. North America and Asia showed growth, partly offsetting declines in the UK and New Zealand. ARB successfully launched operations in China and started direct wholesale operations in Africa, highlighting its push into emerging markets.

What’s next for ARB Corporation?

Looking ahead, ARB is betting on the ongoing recovery of new vehicle sales, particularly for Toyota and Ford platforms, to drive a return to growth. The company plans further investment in its retail network through the Preferred Partner Program and store expansions, as well as broadening its engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

Internationally, ARB aims to leverage new product launches, deeper partnerships with OEMs—especially in the US—and stronger distribution across emerging markets. With a strong cash position and no debt, management says ARB is well placed for long-term, sustainable growth as vehicle supply and consumer sentiment improve.

ARB Corporation share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, ARB shares have declined 57%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has fallen 3% over the same period.

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The post ARB posts profit and sales drop but holds dividend steady 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 positions in and has recommended ARB Corporation. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ARB Corporation. 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.

The Bank of Queensland Ltd (BOQ) share price is in focus after the release of its FY26 results, which saw statutory net profit after tax surge 88% year on year to $250 million, while cash earnings after tax dipped 7% to $358 million.

What did Bank of Queensland report?

• Statutory net profit after tax: $250 million, up 88% on FY25
• Cash earnings after tax (excl. notable items): $358 million, down 7% on FY25
• Net interest margin: 1.70%, up 6 basis points on FY25
• 2H26 fully franked dividend: 20 cents per share
• Special dividend: 15 cents per share, paid in August 2026
• Common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio: 11.64%, up 70 basis points on FY25

What else do investors need to know?

BOQ continued to simplify its operations, delivering 82% of its productivity program and successfully migrating all ME Bank customers onto its new digital platform. Notably, the partnership with Challenger Limited enabled a capital-light approach to equipment finance through a $3.6 billion whole-of-loan sale and forward flow arrangement, enhancing capital efficiency and allowing a special capital return to shareholders.

The group’s business banking arm delivered 16% commercial lending growth, focused on industries like health and agriculture, while home lending contracted 8%, reflecting transformation activity and competitive market pressures. BOQ’s cost discipline saw expenses rise just 2% (excluding notable items), and the cost-to-income ratio edged up to 65.4%.

What did Bank of Queensland management say?

Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Rod Finch said:

FY26 was a year of consistent delivery for BOQ. We completed the ME migration, transitioned mortgage origination to digital channels, and continued to grow our Business Bank. All ME customers are experiencing an end-to-end digital banking proposition. These achievements reflect our progress in simplifying the bank, strengthening our risk foundations and investing in a scalable digital platform

We maintained disciplined cost management and further strengthened our capital position. Reflecting the Group’s resilient financial position and strong capital levels, we returned 55 cents per share to shareholders during the year, including a fully franked special dividend of 15 cents per share.

As we enter FY27, we are well positioned for a sustainable return to growth. While economic conditions remain uncertain, the foundations we have built give us confidence in our ability to deliver for our customers and shareholders.

What’s next for Bank of Queensland?

Looking ahead, BOQ is aiming for a return to growth in home lending in FY27, assisted by expanding its digital mortgage offering. Commercial lending is expected to grow at a pace similar to FY26, with a continued focus on selected industries and lending quality.

Management is targeting flat annual cost growth and expects asset quality to remain solid. The bank will keep its CET1 target range of 10.25–10.75% and maintain a dividend payout target of 60–75% of cash earnings, providing stability for shareholders. Further productivity and technology efficiencies are planned as the decommissioning of ME legacy systems and Capgemini partnership roll out in FY27.

Bank of Queensland share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Bank of Queensland shares have declined 9%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 3% over the same period.

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The post Bank of Queensland earnings: FY26 profit up 88% as dividends stay steady 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.

The Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) share price is in focus after the company’s September 2026 quarterly update revealed funds under administration (FUA) rose to a record $139.2 billion, up 2.5% for the quarter and 15.2% on the prior year. Custodial inflows remained strong at $7.8 billion, while funds under management (FUM) climbed 24% to $36.6 billion.

What did Netwealth report?

• Total FUA increased by $3.4 billion for the quarter to $139.2 billion (up 15.2% year-on-year).
• Custodial inflows were $7.8 billion; net FUA flows totalled $3.6 billion (excluding pension payments and key outflows).
• FUM net flows reached a record $2.4 billion, lifting total FUM to $36.6 billion (up 24.0% year-on-year).
• Managed Account FUM increased 26.0% to $32.4 billion; Managed Funds rose 10.9% to $4.2 billion.
• Netwealth added 3,822 net new accounts (now totalling 186,098) and 21 new financial intermediary relationships (now 4,226).

What else do investors need to know?

Netwealth made further progress on its platform capabilities with the launch of Individual HIN and Netwealth Private, expanding into stockbroking and private wealth markets. The company also announced the acquisition of Paradino, an AI-powered adviser platform designed to boost adviser productivity, which is expected to close by October 2026.

Operational highlights included a major upgrade to the Managed Accounts platform, strengthening scalability and efficiency. Its virtual assistant Nova and the new Research Hub have supported advisers with tens of thousands of enquiries and investment research in the quarter. Regulatory-wise, Netwealth is defending a class action relating to First Guardian investments but says it continues to deliver on its RISE plan.

What did Netwealth management say?

Chief Financial Officer Hayden Stockdale said:

Our record flows and ongoing investment in technology reflect our focus on supporting adviser growth and client outcomes. Our strategic initiatives are well on track.

What’s next for Netwealth?

Looking ahead, Netwealth has updated its FY27 guidance (before Paradino) to target FUA net flows of $17–19 billion and maintain a strong EBITDA margin of approximately 47%. The company expects a low capital expenditure year with strong cash reserves and recurring revenue underpinning predictable results.

After finalising the Paradino deal, Netwealth expects a one-off EBITDA loss of around $3 million for the unit in FY27 and plans to invest a further $10 million over two years to accelerate product development. Paradino’s financials will be reported separately.

Netwealth share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Netwealth shares have declined 52%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 3% over the same period.

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The post Netwealth reports record FUA and platform growth in September 2026 quarter 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 positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Netwealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.