Author: openjargon

The Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) share price is in focus after the copper miner reported record quarterly sales revenue of $574 million and an increase in net cash to $353 million at 30 June 2026.

What did Sandfire Resources report?

• Group copper equivalent (CuEq) production rose 38% in Q4 FY26 to 47.6kt; annual production reached 154.2kt, within guidance
• Quarterly group sales revenue of $574 million, a new record
• Underlying EBITDA reached $343 million in Q4 FY26; FY26 Underlying EBITDA expected to total $867 million
• Net cash position of $353 million at 30 June 2026 (vs $123 million net debt at 30 June 2025)
• MATSA and Motheo operations delivered record mill throughput and a significant production uplift
• FY27 group CuEq production guidance set at 150–166kt

What else do investors need to know?

Sandfire finished the year with a strong safety performance, recording a Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) of 1.6 and continuing initiatives to improve workplace safety across its operations. Both the MATSA mine in Spain and Motheo in Botswana achieved operational milestones – MATSA delivered record throughput with cost reductions, while Motheo ramped up A4 open pit commercial production and mill rates.

The company continued to invest in future growth, spending $7 million on regional exploration and $5 million on near-mine drilling during Q4 FY26. Notably, initial work began on the Kalkaroo Copper-Gold Project in South Australia, where an 80-person site camp has been established alongside a pre-feasibility drilling program.

What did Sandfire Resources management say?

Commenting on the quarter, Sandfire’s CEO and Managing Director, Brendan Harris, said:

Following a somewhat challenging start to the year, our talented people delivered a 38% increase in copper equivalent production in the June quarter to comfortably achieve annual production guidance for FY26. This particularly strong finish to the year was underpinned by a 65% increase in quarterly copper equivalent production at Motheo, where our higher grade A4 open pit achieved commercial production and mill throughput rose to a record 7.1Mtpa rate, and a 22% increase in contained metal volumes at MATSA, where we achieved another record annualised processing rate.

What’s next for Sandfire Resources?

Looking ahead to FY27, Sandfire expects group copper equivalent production in the range of 150,000 to 166,000 tonnes. The miner projects only incremental rises in operating unit costs at both MATSA and Motheo, despite increased capital investment to accelerate exploration and development, particularly in South Australia and Botswana.

Plans also include progress on sustainability, with large-scale solar facilities under construction at both MATSA and Motheo. Sandfire will provide more detailed FY27 guidance with its full-year results.

Sandfire Resources share price snapshot

Over the past year, the Sandfire Resources share price has outperformed the ASX 200 index with a 65% gain, buoyed by strong earnings and production results.

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The post Sandfire Resources posts record sales and cash in strong FY26 finish appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 7 ASX shares catching broker upgrades this week

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.

For retirees living off superannuation, dividend investing can be a great strategy to generate a steady stream of income without having to regularly sell shares. 

By investing in quality companies that pay consistent dividends, retirees can help support their living expenses. Dividend shares allow this while still giving their portfolio the opportunity to grow over the long term.

The balancing act 

When choosing dividend shares, it’s important to look for a balanced dividend yield rather than one that is extremely high.

A high dividend yield can sometimes be a warning sign that the company’s share price has fallen due to financial problems. This can make the dividend harder to sustain. 

On the other hand, a very low dividend yield may provide little income and could indicate that the company prioritises growth over returning profits to shareholders. 

A balanced dividend yield often suggests that the company is financially stable, generates consistent earnings, and is able to reward shareholders while still investing in its future.

What is considered a good yield in Australia?

For years, the ASX has been one of the best places in the world for dividend investors.

Australian companies have a long history of paying generous dividends. This has made the local share market a favourite among investors looking to build a reliable stream of passive income.

The numbers back it up. According to S&P Global, the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) had a trailing 12-month dividend yield of 3.5% as of 31 December 2024. 

That’s comfortably ahead of Europe (3.2%), Canada (2.8%), and the United States (1.8%).

For retirees looking to better this number, here are three ASX dividend shares that could supplement your superannuation that beat this 3.5% benchmark. 

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN)

Harvey Norman is a popular dividend stock because of its strong cash generation, fully franked dividends, and history of returning excess capital to shareholders. 

Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked dividends of 31.1 cents per share in FY 2027. This is followed by 33.3 cents per share in FY 2028. 

This results in a dividend yield of over 6% over the next two years. 

Propel Funeral Partners Ltd (ASX: PFP)

Another option to generate passive income alongside your superannuation is Properl Funeral Partners. 

It is an attractive dividend stock because of its defensive business model, recurring demand, and consistent earnings growth.

Based on the forecast on CMC Invest, the potential grossed-up dividend yield for FY26 is 5.5%, which could rise to over 6% by FY28. 

Collins Foods Ltd (ASX: CKF)

Collins Foods Ltd is another stock offering above average yields. 

It is a solid dividend stock because its ownership of established quick-service restaurant brands, including KFC operations in Australia and overseas, provides resilient cash flows that support reliable dividend payments over time.

Morgans is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 31 cents in FY 2027 and 35 cents in FY 2028. 

This equates to a yield of around 4%. 

The post 3 shares with above average dividend yields to supplement your superannuation appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Collins Foods. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX defence stocks enjoyed a surge in 2025 and 2026. 

This surge was driven by a combination of rising global geopolitical tensions, increased defence spending by Australia and its allies, and strong investor demand for companies exposed to military technology, drones, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. 

One ASX defence stock that rode these tailwinds to significant gains was Elsight Ltd (ASX: ELS). 

Riding tailwinds

Elsight  is a supplier of communication modules to drone OEMs and the company offers advanced communication components for unmanned systems (aerial, ground and sea) systems through its flagship product, the Halo platform.

The platform aggregates all available communication paths into one resilient, encrypted pipe for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) control, video and telemetry.

Increased defence spending and a series of big contract wins saw this ASX defence stock rise over 800% in 2025. 

However, in 2026, it has experienced some volatility, and it remains up over 80% year to date. 

Yesterday, the company released quarterly results and this subsequently sent the stock price down 10%. 

What did the company report?

As reported by The Motley Fool yesterday, Elsight reported: 

• Customer receipts of US$5.4 million for the June quarter (US$13.6 million year to date)
• Net operating cash outflow of US$175,000 for the quarter, with a 6-month net inflow of US$3.8 million
• Net cash used in investing activities totalled US$619,000 for the quarter
• Net cash from financing activities of US$296,000 in the quarter, mainly from option exercises
• Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end of US$63.3 million
• 361 estimated quarters of funding available at current cash burn rates. 

However, it seems investors were left wanting more as they largely exited their positions in this ASX defence stock. 

What is Bell Potter’s updated view?

Following the results, Bell Potter released updated guidance on this ASX defence stock. 

The broker said the company delivered a stronger-than-expected 2Q26 result, with revenue and first-half earnings ahead of forecasts. 

This was supported by strong operating leverage, slower cost growth and healthy profitability, while cash generation and the balance sheet remained solid. 

Additionally, the company continued to diversify beyond OEM customers, secured its first paying government customer for its Stealth Initiative business, and remains on track to launch its non-GNSS positioning capability in late CY26.

As a result, the broker retained its buy recommendation and increased its price target to $8.20. 

From yesterday’s closing price, this indicates an upside potential of 27%. 

ELS continues to observe strong order flow across defence and commercial customers across the US, Europe and the Middle East driven by sector tailwinds and the impact of ELS direct sales team, which was established in the prior year and is now contributing to both pipeline growth and order conversion.

The post After crashing 10% on results, is this ASX defence stock a buy, hold or sell? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX: JHX) share price is in focus after the company’s preliminary first quarter FY27 results showed net sales and adjusted EBITDA surpassing previous company guidance, thanks to robust demand in Siding & Trim.

What did James Hardie report?

• Preliminary consolidated net sales: US$1.449 to $1.475 billion (above prior guidance of $1.315 to $1.354 billion)
• Preliminary consolidated adjusted EBITDA: US$399 to $407 million (up from guidance of $354 to $375 million)
• Preliminary consolidated GAAP net income: US$102 to $104 million
• Siding & Trim net sales: US$846 to $860 million (guidance was $758 to $781 million)
• Deck, Rail & Accessories (DR&A) net sales: US$296 to $305 million

What else do investors need to know?

This update is preliminary, with final results due after the market close on 6 August 2026 (US time). James Hardie credits strong sell-through and demand for Siding & Trim for the result, while Deck, Rail & Accessories performance improved due to channel inventory normalisation.

The company highlighted that its above-guidance performance was driven by execution and market share gains, rather than any marked improvement in the broader US housing market. Details including full-year guidance and further financial information will be provided at the upcoming earnings call.

What did James Hardie management say?

CEO Aaron Erter said:

Our first quarter results are expected to exceed our prior guidance, primarily as a result of better-than-expected sales in Siding & Trim. Siding & Trim net sales reflected strong sell-through and underlying demand for our products. Our performance in Deck, Rail & Accessories was driven by channel inventory normalization and sell-through that improved throughout the quarter.

What’s next for James Hardie?

Management will release the finalised first quarter results and an updated FY27 outlook in early August. Investors will be watching for further market insights and any updates to strategy or guidance at the earnings call.

James Hardie continues to focus on growing its fibre cement and decking businesses, as well as leveraging cost and sales synergies from the recent AZEK acquisition.

James Hardie share price snapshot

The James Hardie share price has struggled over the last 12 months. It is down around 17% over the period, compared to a modest 1% gain by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

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The post James Hardie posts strong Q1 FY27 earnings above guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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.

Do you have $30,000 to invest but don’t want to choose individual shares?

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be a simple solution.

With three well-chosen Vanguard ETFs, investors can gain exposure to major economies, industries, and long-term growth trends.

Here is how I would invest the money.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

I would place the largest allocation into this Vanguard ETF, which tracks the S&P 500.

The US share market has repeatedly produced companies capable of turning domestic success into global scale. Its leading businesses sell software, medicines, financial services, consumer products, industrial equipment, and digital advertising around the world.

The V500 ETF gives investors access to that breadth through a single ASX investment.

I also like how the S&P 500 changes as the economy develops. Companies that keep growing can become more influential within the index, while fading businesses gradually lose weight or leave altogether.

That makes the ETF more adaptable than a portfolio built around a fixed collection of today’s popular stocks.

The US market can still experience sharp falls, and Australian investors will also be exposed to currency movements. With a long holding period, I think the V500 ETF could form a strong foundation for the $30,000 investment.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The next fund would give the portfolio a different source of growth.

The VAE ETF invests across Asian economies outside Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Its underlying companies are connected to areas such as semiconductors, banking, insurance, manufacturing, online commerce, communication services, and consumer spending.

I like Asia because the region’s investment story extends well beyond a single country or trend.

Rising incomes can create demand for better housing, healthcare, financial products, travel, and branded goods. At the same time, several Asian markets occupy important positions across global manufacturing and technology supply chains.

That combination could support many years of business growth.

This fund will probably deliver a less comfortable journey than a broad developed-market ETF. Political decisions, regulation, currency movements, and changing investor confidence can all create volatility.

I would accept those swings in return for exposure to companies and economies that are still developing at a rapid pace.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

The final allocation would add a deliberate technology exposure.

The VTEK ETF invests in large and mid-sized technology companies across developed and emerging markets.

I think the long-term case rests on where businesses continue directing their budgets. Companies want faster computing, better cybersecurity, more automation, improved data analysis, and software that helps employees accomplish more.

Artificial intelligence could accelerate that spending, while demand for semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and digital tools may continue growing alongside it.

There will be some overlap with the V500 ETF because several US technology leaders feature prominently in the S&P 500. I would be comfortable with that because this allocation is intended to place extra weight on an area where I see attractive long-term growth.

Technology shares can also become expensive and fall sharply when expectations change, which is why I would make this Vanguard ETF the smallest holding.

Foolish takeaway

I would place most of the $30,000 into broad US and Asian exposure, with a smaller technology position adding greater growth potential.

I expect the portfolio to move around as markets, currencies, and sentiment change. The real advantage comes from owning thousands of business activities across regions that could keep expanding for decades.

For investors who prefer backing long-term economic growth over choosing individual winners, I think these three Vanguard ETFs offer a great way to put $30,000 to work.

The post 3 Vanguard ETFs to buy with $30,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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.

Tourism Holdings Ltd (ASX: THL) share price is in focus today after it lifted its expected FY26 underlying net profit after tax to around $46 million, beating its May forecast. The company also reported a stronger year-end net debt position than anticipated.

What did Tourism Holdings report?

• FY26 underlying net profit after tax (uNPAT) from continuing operations now expected to be ~$46 million (up from previous guidance of $40–$43 million)
• Net debt at 30 June 2026 was $436 million (below previous forecast of $460–$470 million)
• Normalised net debt averaged $453 million over the last month of FY26
• Strong late booking trends and robust vehicle sales in New Zealand drove the improved result

What else do investors need to know?

Tourism Holdings noted favourable year-end interest outcomes and better-than-expected vehicle sales contributed to the upgraded profit forecast. The company also highlighted strong booking momentum across all key regions.

Notably, North America bookings are tracking well ahead of last year, with recent US bookings more than 50% higher. Australia and New Zealand forward bookings have also bounced back after earlier disruptions linked to Middle East geopolitical events.

Tourism Holdings will release its full audited FY26 results and Integrated Report on 25 August 2026.

What’s next for Tourism Holdings?

Management says forward booking trends remain positive, especially in North America where growth rates are strong. With Australia and New Zealand recovering from recent disruptions, Tourism Holdings is increasingly confident about the FY27 Southern Hemisphere summer.

The company sees improved opportunities for growth in both Australia and New Zealand. Investors will be watching the August results for further detail on strategy and outlook.

Tourism Holdings share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Tourism Holdings shares have risen 23%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the sam period.

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The post Tourism Holdings ups FY26 guidance as bookings surge 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 Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price is in focus today after the company announced that CEO Shemara Wikramanayake will retire in November 2026, with Greg Ward named as her successor. The board thanked Wikramanayake for her transformative eight-year tenure and highlighted Macquarie’s ongoing strong business performance.

What did Macquarie Group report?

• Shemara Wikramanayake retiring as CEO effective 6 November 2026
• Greg Ward, current Head of Banking and Financial Services, to become CEO effective 7 November 2026
• Ongoing strong performance across Macquarie’s diverse businesses
• Succession plan subject to necessary approvals

What else do investors need to know?

The announcement marks a major leadership change for Macquarie Group after nearly a decade under Wikramanayake’s leadership and almost 40 years of her service overall. The board credited her with driving Macquarie’s expansion into new markets and enhancing the group’s global brand and client impact, including navigating through the COVID pandemic.

Greg Ward brings vast experience to the role, having served as Macquarie’s Global CFO and Deputy Managing Director before becoming Head of Banking and Financial Services. Under his stewardship, the division grew to become a key player in Australian personal banking, business banking, and wealth management.

What did Macquarie Group management say?

Mr Greg Ward said:

I’m honoured to be asked by the Board to succeed Shemara as Macquarie CEO. Shemara leaves Macquarie incredibly well positioned, with each of our businesses performing strongly. I look forward to working with the Board, management and our entire Macquarie team to build on Shemara’s legacy for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.

What’s next for Macquarie Group?

The board has expressed confidence in a smooth leadership transition as Macquarie enters its next phase. With Ward at the helm, the focus is expected to remain on sustained performance and innovation across all business units.

Investors can anticipate strategic continuity, with Ward’s deep knowledge of the business and commitment to Macquarie’s culture aiming to support growth and deliver long‑term value.

Macquarie Group share price snapshot

Macquarie Group shares have outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months. During this time, the investment bank’s shares have risen around 13%, while the ASX 200 is up 1%.

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The post Macquarie Group announces new CEO as Shemara Wikramanayake prepares to retire appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie 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.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can make it much easier to invest in global companies from Australia.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) has become a popular choice for investors seeking long-term growth.

But does it deserve a place in a portfolio today?

What does the NDQ ETF own?

The NDQ ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq market.

Its holdings include businesses such as NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla.

These companies sit behind many of the products and services people and businesses now rely on every day. The portfolio reaches across semiconductors, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, online shopping, digital advertising, streaming, software, and consumer technology.

I think that gives the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF a good chance of benefiting as more economic activity moves online and companies keep investing in technology.

The index also changes over time. Companies that grow can become more influential, while businesses that lose ground can shrink within the portfolio or eventually leave it.

That allows investors to back the Nasdaq’s future leaders without needing to identify each winner in advance.

Why I like the long-term opportunity

Technology spending is becoming part of almost every industry.

Banks want better fraud detection, manufacturers want greater automation, healthcare providers need improved data systems, retailers want to understand customers more clearly, while companies across the economy are investing in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure.

Many of the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF’s holdings provide the chips, software, platforms, and digital services supporting that investment.

The companies in the index also tend to have substantial global reach. Their growth is rarely limited to the US economy because they sell products and services to customers around the world.

That combination of innovation, scale, and global demand makes the ETF attractive to me as a long-term growth investment.

What should investors consider?

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is more concentrated than a broad global ETF.

Technology companies account for a large part of the portfolio, and several enormous businesses carry significant index weight. A difficult period for technology shares could therefore cause the ETF to fall sharply.

Valuation also deserves attention. Investors often pay high earnings multiples for companies expected to grow quickly. Those share prices can react badly when earnings disappoint or interest rate expectations change.

Australian investors also face currency movements because the ETF is unhedged. A stronger Australian dollar can reduce returns from US holdings when translated back into Australian dollars, while a weaker dollar can lift them.

The management fee and costs are currently 0.48% per annum. That is higher than some broad-market ETFs, although I think the focused exposure could justify the cost for investors who specifically want the Nasdaq 100.

I would hold the fund alongside other investments rather than rely on it as an entire portfolio.

My verdict

I think investing in the NDQ ETF is a good idea for investors with a long time horizon and enough tolerance for volatility.

The fund provides access to companies that could remain central to how the global economy develops over the next decade.

There will be periods when technology sentiment weakens and the ETF falls heavily. I would see those declines as part of owning a growth-focused investment.

Foolish takeaway

The NDQ ETF gives ASX investors a straightforward way to own many of the world’s leading technology and consumer businesses.

Its concentration means the journey could be volatile, and I would balance it with broader Australian and international exposure.

For investors who can remain patient through market swings, I think the NDQ ETF is a strong long-term buy.

The post Is it a good idea to invest in the NDQ ETF? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Genesis Energy Ltd (ASX: GNE) share price is in focus as the company reported an 11.6% rise in electricity netback to $189/MWh for Q4 FY26 and completed the final stages of its single brand transition, despite warmer temperatures delivering outcomes at the lower end of expectations.

What did Genesis Energy report?

• Electricity netback: $189/MWh, up 11.6% on prior corresponding period (pcp)
• Total customers: 490,227, down 5.8% on pcp, with the final stage of transition to a single brand
• Total electricity sales: 1,543 GWh, down 153 GWh on pcp, reflecting milder temperatures and brand migration
• Hydro generation: 703 GWh, down 1 GWh on pcp, with increasing storage levels
• Thermal generation: 527 GWh, down 567 GWh on pcp, with Huntly Unit 5 in temporary hibernation until December 2026
• FY26 EBITDAF expected at the lower end of guidance range

What else do investors need to know?

Genesis continued to progress on strategic priorities, notably commissioning Stage 1 of the Huntly Battery Energy Storage System, with Stage 2 moving into detailed design. The company remains on track with its $145 million digital investment rollout, including billing and CRM system upgrades set for phased migration starting in Q2 FY27.

The customer base declined, mainly due to migration to a single brand and simplified product offering, which accelerated during the quarter. Genesis expects around $5 million in one-off operating expenses in FY26 due to this brand transition, with a further $6 million anticipated in FY27 before marketing expenditure returns to normal levels from FY28.

Despite milder weather affecting demand, hydro storage ended the quarter at strong levels, positioning Genesis well for the start of FY27. Coal stockpiles remain robust at over one million tonnes, and gas supply security has been bolstered with new contracts.

What’s next for Genesis Energy?

Genesis will continue its transformation strategy, focusing on growing renewable generation and digital innovation. The company is targeting delivery of its Huntly BESS projects and grid-scale solar developments over coming years, with Tihori Solar Farm scheduled for Q1 FY28 commissioning and Leeston aiming for final investment decision in Q1 FY27.

Efforts to streamline to a single brand are designed to align supply and demand, enhance margins, and unlock value through better utilisation of flexible generation assets. Investors can expect focus to remain on margin quality, digital capability, and further expanding renewable capacity to support medium-term growth.

Genesis Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Genesis Energy shares have risen 1%, matching the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

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The post Genesis Energy Q4: Margin lifts as single brand shift nears finish appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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There are some ASX dividend stocks I’d rather own for income than rely on the Age Pension.

The Age Pension is wonderful and generous, and it’s steadily growing over time. But there are ASX passive income ideas that are growing their payouts faster and offer a compelling dividend yield.

L1 Long Short Fund Ltd (ASX: LSF) is a listed investment company (LIC) that’s offering investors numerous benefits. Let’s dig into those positives.

Dividend yield and payout growth

We’ll start with the passive income, seeing as that’s the focus of this article.

The LIC recently started paying investors a quarterly dividend, which is very pleasingly regular.

I expect the business to pay dividends that total 15.8 cents per share over the next 12 months, which equates to a future grossed-up dividend yield of 5.1%, including franking credits.

The business started paying an annual dividend in FY21 and has increased its dividend every year since then. Since switching to quarterly payouts, it has grown its quarterly dividend every quarter.

The dividend is increasing at a pleasing pace, I expect the combined last two quarterly dividends of FY26 will be 15% higher than the FY25 second half dividend. That’s a very pleasing rate of annual growth, in my view – far stronger than today’s elevated inflation.

Diversification

Another benefit to owning the L1 Long Short Fund is that the LIC owns a diversified portfolio which usually gives investors exposure to a number of sectors such as materials, industrials, communication services, financials and utilities.

Currently, some of the ASX dividend stock’s key areas of focus include gold, copper, construction materials, infrastructure and select financials.

L1 does a great job at investing in unloved shares and sectors that look undervalued but can still deliver good returns.

Its portfolio is tilted towards quality value stocks, with its average long position trading on a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 10, with double-digit earnings per share (EPS) growth and modest debt levels.

Capital growth

Another benefit of ASX shares is that they can deliver long-term capital growth as they increase their underlying value.

L1 Long Short Fund has delivered strong investment returns, allowing it to hike its payouts and deliver share price growth as its portfolio increases in value.

The portfolio returned an average of 16.9% per year over the five years to 30 June 2026, driving a 70% rise in the L1 Long Short Fund’s share price over the period.

Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.

How many shares it takes to equal the Age Pension

The maximum level of income that an Australian can get from the Age Pension equates to around $1,200 per fortnight or around $31,200 annually.

Based on that, excluding franking credits, an investor would need 197,469 L1 Long Short Fund shares. But, with a growing dividend and rising share price, it makes me think the ASX dividend stock would be an excellent long-term investment.

It wouldn’t be the only investment I have in a dividend portfolio, but I’m happy it’s one of the largest positions in my own portfolio.

The post 197,469 shares of this high-yield ASX dividend stock pays an income equal to the Age Pension appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in L1 Long Short Fund. 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.