Category: Stock Market

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares have had a strong 12 months, rising around 18% to $5.36.

Based on CommSec consensus estimates, Telstra is expected to generate earnings per share of 19.8 cents in FY26 and 20 cents in FY27. That puts the shares on a fairly full-looking price-to-earnings ratio of 27.

Even so, I think there are still good reasons to consider buying Telstra shares in May, particularly for investors focused on income, reliability, and steady long-term returns.

A dividend story that still looks attractive

The first reason I like Telstra is the dividend.

According to CommSec, the market expects dividends of 21 cents per share in FY26 and 21.5 cents per share in FY27. At the current share price, that implies forward dividend yields of around 3.9% and 4.0%.

That is not the highest yield on the ASX, but I think the quality of the income stream is important.

Telstra’s most recent results showed the board declared a 10.5 cents per share interim dividend, up from 9.5 cents a year earlier, with the dividend 90.5% franked. Management said the dividend was supported by strong cash earnings and its aim remains to deliver a sustainable and growing dividend.

For income investors, I think that combination of yield, franking, and dividend growth potential is appealing.

The mobile business is still performing well

The second reason is the strength of Telstra’s mobile business.

In the first half of FY26, Telstra said mobile EBITDA grew by $93 million, supported by higher average revenue per user and more customers choosing its network. Mobile services revenue increased 5.6%.

That is exactly the kind of performance I want to see from Telstra.

The mobile network is the heart of the investment case, in my opinion. Telstra has a strong brand, leading network coverage, and a customer base that appears willing to pay for quality and reliability.

This is not a business that needs explosive growth to work as an investment. If it can keep lifting mobile earnings, controlling costs, and supporting dividends, I think shareholders can do well over time.

Cost discipline and capital management

The third reason is the way Telstra is managing the business.

Its half-year results showed positive operating leverage of 3.1 percentage points, helped by cost discipline and efficiency gains. Telstra reduced underlying operating expenses by $179 million, or 2.4%, which more than offset pressure from rising costs.

That is a useful sign. In a mature business like Telstra, cost control can have a meaningful impact on earnings and cash flow. Small improvements can add up because the company operates at such scale.

Telstra also increased its on-market share buyback from up to $1 billion to up to $1.25 billion. Management said the buyback is expected to support earnings and dividend per share growth.

I like that because it suggests the company is using its balance sheet to create additional shareholder value.

Foolish takeaway

Telstra shares are no longer obviously cheap after their strong run. But I still think they could be worth buying in May.

The dividend profile looks solid, the mobile business continues to perform well, and management is showing good cost discipline while returning capital to shareholders.

For investors seeking a relatively defensive ASX income share with steady earnings potential, I think Telstra still deserves a place on the watchlist.

The post 3 reasons to buy Telstra shares in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Own Telstra shares? Here’s what happened in April
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• Should I sell my Telstra shares in May?

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 positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) shares started the week with another loss. The ASX consumer stock has slipped 1.5% to $16.14 at the time of writing.

That adds to an already painful stretch for investors. Domino’s shares are now down about 23% in 2026 and roughly 36% over the past 12 months. In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index has risen around 7% over the same period.

So, what’s driving the weakness and is there any sign of a turnaround?

US Domino’s weakness rattles outlook

The latest pressure appears to stem from offshore. An update from Domino’s Pizza Inc (NASDAQ: DPZ) unsettled investors after the US giant reported same-store sales growth of just 0.9%, well below expectations of 2.3%. It also downgraded its full-year outlook, pointing to softer demand in a challenging consumer environment.

That matters more than it might seem. While Domino’s Pizza Enterprises operates across Australia, Europe, and Asia, sentiment toward the broader brand is heavily influenced by US performance. If the world’s largest Domino’s operator is struggling to drive growth, investors worry similar pressures could be affecting other regions.

Cost-of-living pressures and weaker discretionary spending are key concerns. Pizza may be relatively affordable, but it is still discretionary, and consumers are increasingly tightening their budgets. That raises questions about order volumes, pricing power, and overall earnings growth across the network.

Time to buy Domino’s shares?

After such a steep sell-off, Domino’s shares are now trading at a significantly lower valuation multiple than in recent years. On the surface, that might suggest a buying opportunity. However, some analysts argue the lower price simply reflects a weaker growth outlook.

Bell Potter recently initiated coverage with a hold rating and an $18 price target. While acknowledging the more attractive valuation, the broker believes it is justified given expectations for only modest earnings growth in the near term.

Across the market, views remain divided. Data from TradingView shows that most analysts sit on the fence, with 10 out of 18 rating the stock as a hold. Five are more optimistic with buy ratings, while three recommend selling.

The average price target is about $20.07, implying potential upside of roughly 25% from current levels. But the range of forecasts is wide, stretching from bullish scenarios of around 77% upside to bearish calls suggesting a further 20% downside to about $13.00.

That spread highlights the uncertainty facing the business right now.

Foolish Takeaway

Domino’s shares have been under sustained pressure, and the latest US update has only added to concerns about slowing demand. While the stock now looks cheaper, the key issue is whether the company can stabilise earnings and return to consistent growth.

Until that becomes clearer, Domino’s may continue to sit in an uncomfortable middle ground — not quite cheap enough to be a clear bargain, but not strong enough to restore investor confidence.

The post What on earth’s going on with Domino’s shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• PEXA shares: Strong 3Q26 results and FY26 guidance reaffirmed
• Austal wins extra $136m patrol boat contract, lifts order book above $17.7bn

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 Domino’s Pizza and Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX tech stock Catapult Sports Ltd (ASX: CAT) jumped 5.3% to $3.37 at the start of the week, offering a welcome lift for investors after months of heavy selling.

It’s a step in the right direction. But the bigger picture still tells a tougher story. The ASX tech stock is down 19% year to date, has fallen 48% over the past six months, and has shed more than half its value since peaking at an all-time high in late October.

So, is this the start of a turnaround for Catapult shares or just a temporary bounce?

Strong foothold in elite sport

Catapult operates in the fast-growing sports technology space, providing performance analytics and wearable tracking systems to elite teams around the world. Its technology is used across a wide range of sports, including football, rugby, cricket, basketball, and American football.

The company works with more than 4,000 teams globally, including organisations in major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and English Premier League. Its products help teams track athlete performance, manage injury risk, and optimise training through real-time data insights.

This positioning gives Catapult shares a strong foothold in elite sport, where marginal performance gains can translate into significant competitive advantages.

Market set to double by 2030

The broader market opportunity is also expanding rapidly.

The global professional sports technology market is valued at around US$36 billion in 2025 and is forecast to grow to US$72 billion by 2030. That growth is being driven by increasing demand for data-driven decision-making, athlete monitoring, and fan engagement tools.

Catapult’s established customer base and recurring revenue model put it in a solid position to benefit from these tailwinds.

Fierce competition

However, the company is not without risks. Despite strong revenue growth in recent years, profitability has been a key concern for investors. Like many tech companies, Catapult has had to balance expansion with cost control and any missteps on margins can weigh heavily on sentiment.

There is also competitive pressure. The sports analytics space is becoming increasingly crowded, with new entrants and in-house solutions from teams themselves posing potential challenges over time.

Execution will be critical. Investors will want to see consistent earnings growth, improved margins, and evidence that the business can scale sustainably.

What next for Catapult shares?

On the outlook front, analysts remain optimistic. According to broker consensus, Catapult shares carry a strong buy rating. Analysts have set an average price target of $5.44, implying potential upside of around 61% over the next 12 months. The most bullish forecast sits at $7.63 with a 125% upside.

Bell Potter is also positive, maintaining its buy rating with a $4.75 price target. This points to a potential gain of roughly 40%.

Foolish Takeaway

The bottom line is that ASX tech stock Catapult operates in an attractive, high-growth industry with a strong global footprint. But after such a steep sell-off, the market is looking for proof that the company can translate that opportunity into consistent financial performance.

This week’s rebound is encouraging, but whether it marks a true turning point for Catapult shares will depend on what comes next.

The post After declining nearly 50% in 6 months, has this ASX tech stock finally turned the corner? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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 Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Catapult Sports. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was out of form and ended the day lower. The benchmark index fell 0.35% to 8,697.1 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to drop again

The Australian share market looks set to drop again on Tuesday following a poor night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 66 points or 0.75% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones tumbled 1.1%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.4%, and the Nasdaq fell 0.2%.

Oil prices jump

It looks like ASX 200 energy shares such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a good session after oil prices stormed higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 3.3% to US$105.30 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 5.45% to US$114.05 a barrel. This follows news that Iran has attacked UAE for the first time since the ceasefire.

Westpac half-year results

All eyes will be on Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares on Tuesday when the big four bank releases its eagerly anticipated half-year results. The team at Citi is expecting Australia’s oldest bank to report a first-half cash profit of $3.6 billion. This is a touch below consensus estimates due to Citi’s belief that credit provisions will be higher than expected.

Gold price sinks

ASX 200 gold shares including Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a difficult session on Tuesday after the gold price tumbled overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 2.6% to US$4,524.4 an ounce. A stronger US dollar and inflation fears weighed on the precious metal.

Coles shares downgraded

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares have been hit with a broker downgrade from Bell Potter this morning. According to the note, the broker has downgraded the supermarket giant’s shares to a hold rating (from buy) but with an improved price target of $22.80 (from $22.35). It said: “Trading a discount to WOW, there is a relative value argument to be made, particularly given the more limited exposure to discretionary channels in the near term, however we see more compelling GARP opportunities elsewhere in the consumer staples space at this juncture.”

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What on earth’s going on with Domino’s shares?
• Sigma Healthcare delivers double digit Chemist Warehouse sales growth in 2026
• Pinnacle Investment Management increases Metrics Credit stake in $100.5 million deal
• PEXA shares: Strong 3Q26 results and FY26 guidance reaffirmed
• Austal wins extra $136m patrol boat contract, lifts order book above $17.7bn

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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.

If I had $500 spare to invest, I think the best approach would be to focus on broad diversification, low effort, and long-term growth. 

And that is where ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be very useful.

Instead of trying to pick the perfect individual stock, an investor can use an ETF to buy a basket of shares in one trade. For me, that makes a lot of sense when investing a smaller amount.

Here are the ASX ETFs I would consider this month.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If I could only choose one ETF with $500, I think this would be very high on the list.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF gives investors exposure to a broad mix of global shares across developed markets.

That means an investor is gaining exposure to major international companies across sectors like technology, healthcare, financials, consumer goods, and industrials.

I think this is important because the Australian share market is quite concentrated. Banks and miners make up a large part of the local market, which can be useful, but it also leaves gaps. The VGS ETF helps fill those gaps.

It gives exposure to businesses that are shaping the global economy, including many that Australians use every day but cannot easily access through the ASX.

For a $500 investment, I think that kind of instant global diversification is hard to beat.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

I would also consider the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.

This ETF provides exposure to a broad selection of Australian shares. That includes large blue chips, major banks, resources companies, healthcare names, retailers, and other listed businesses.

The appeal here is simplicity. Rather than trying to decide which Australian share to buy, the VAS ETF gives investors a slice of the local market in one go.

I also like that Australian shares can provide dividends and franking credits, which can be attractive for long-term investors. The income may not be huge from a $500 starting point, but it can build over time if investors keep adding.

For me, this fund would work well as the local foundation of a portfolio. It is not exciting, but it provides broad exposure without needing constant attention.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

For investors who are comfortable with a bit more volatility, I think the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could also be worth considering.

This ETF gives exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. In practice, that means a heavy tilt toward global technology and innovation.

I would not put all my money into it if I were trying to build a balanced portfolio from scratch. But I do think it can play a useful role for investors who want more exposure to long-term growth themes such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, software, and semiconductors.

The key is being patient. The NDQ ETF can move around a lot in the short term, especially when sentiment toward growth stocks changes. But over a 10-year timeframe, I think technology is likely to remain one of the more powerful forces in global markets.

Foolish takeaway

By using the VGS, VAS, and NDQ ETFs, investors can gain exposure to thousands of companies, different regions, and long-term growth themes without needing to pick every stock themselves.

If I had $500 spare, I would happily invest the money into any or all of these ASX ETFs this week.

The post Why I’d buy these ASX ETFs if I had $500 spare appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

With May now underway, I think it could be a good time to look at a few ASX shares that offer long-term potential.

Some have strong structural tailwinds behind them. Others are building scale, strengthening their market position, or offering exposure to themes that could become more important over time.

With that in mind, here are two ASX shares I rate highly this month.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

DroneShield is one of the most exciting growth shares on the ASX, in my opinion.

It operates in counter-drone technology, which is still a developing market. That alone makes it higher risk, but I think it also gives the business a lot of long-term potential.

The use of drones is expanding quickly across defence, security, and commercial settings. That creates a growing need to detect, track, and respond to drone threats.

Importantly, the company is not selling a product into a mature market. It is helping define an emerging category. If counter-drone systems become a more normal part of defence and critical infrastructure spending, then DroneShield could have a much larger opportunity ahead.

There will still be volatility. Contracts can be lumpy, expectations can move quickly, and the share price can react sharply to news flow.

But I believe the long-term backdrop remains supportive. Defence spending is rising, drone threats are becoming more visible, and governments are likely to keep investing in technology that improves security.

For me, DroneShield is the higher-risk, higher-upside pick.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

Breville Group is a very different type of business.

It sells premium kitchen appliances across global markets, with a strong position in coffee machines and other higher-end household products.

What I like about Breville is that it is not just a retailer or a simple appliance brand. It has built a reputation for design, innovation, and product quality. That gives it more control over its destiny than many consumer businesses.

The coffee opportunity is particularly attractive in my view. Consumers continue to invest in better at-home coffee experiences, and Breville is well positioned in that category. It has a strong brand, a growing international footprint, and the ability to keep launching new products that appeal to households willing to pay for quality.

Of course, consumer spending can be uneven. Higher interest rates and cost-of-living pressures can affect discretionary purchases.

But I think Breville is the kind of company that can keep expanding over time by entering new markets, improving its range, and building deeper brand loyalty.

For investors looking beyond the next few months, I believe it has the makings of a strong global compounder.

Foolish takeaway

If I were buying ASX shares in May, I would be comfortable considering these two.

DroneShield offers exposure to a fast-growing defence technology niche, while Breville gives investors a global consumer brand with long-term expansion potential.

In my opinion, each has a clear reason to own it and a path to becoming more valuable over time.

The post Why I’d buy DroneShield and this ASX share in May appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Forget DroneShield shares, I’d buy these ASX defence stocks instead
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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield. 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 Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) share price is in focus as the company reports strong Chemist Warehouse sales growth, with Australian stores up 16.7% and international stores up 24.7% to date this financial year.

What did Sigma Healthcare report?

• Australian Chemist Warehouse sales grew 16.7% year-to-date, with like-for-like growth of 14.4%
• International Chemist Warehouse sales rose 24.7%, like-for-like growth of 11.8%
• Ongoing uplift from GLP1 sales continues in Australia
• Entered a joint venture to launch Chemist Warehouse in the UK
• Committed to a new 23,000 square metre distribution centre in New Zealand

What else do investors need to know?

Sigma has signed a memorandum of understanding with GreenLight Healthcare to bring the Chemist Warehouse brand to the United Kingdom. The initial focus will be on rebranding up to five London area stores, with plans for more if successful.

The company is also investing approximately A$40 million in its New Zealand supply chain. A new distribution centre will support a growing NZ store network, aiming for more than 100 Chemist Warehouse locations long term.

What’s next for Sigma Healthcare?

Sigma expects to launch its first Chemist Warehouse store in the UK by rebranding one of GreenLight’s existing locations in London. Phase one will focus on up to five sites, with potential to expand further if these pilot stores perform well.

The new distribution centre in New Zealand is scheduled to begin operations in September 2026, with warehouse automation rolling out in the second half of 2027. This investment is designed to future-proof Sigma’s supply chain as the New Zealand store network grows.

Sigma Healthcare share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Sigma Healthcare shares have declined 10%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Sigma Healthcare delivers double digit Chemist Warehouse sales growth in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pinnacle Investment Management increases Metrics Credit stake in $100.5 million deal
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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.

This afternoon, Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI) announced it will acquire an additional 6.80% stake in Metrics Credit Holdings, restoring its equity interest to around 35%. The $100.5 million deal is set to be funded from Pinnacle’s existing balance sheet capacity.

What did Pinnacle Investment Management report?

• Pinnacle has agreed to acquire a further 6.80% of Metrics Credit Holdings for approximately $100.5 million.
• This increases Pinnacle’s stake in Metrics back to around 35% ownership, matching its initial 2018 level.
• The deal will be paid 75% on completion, with the remaining 25% due twelve months later.
• The National Pension Service of Korea, via Townsend Holdings, will concurrently acquire a 6.37% stake in Metrics, bringing its total to 9.9%.
• Transactions are expected to complete between Q2 and Q3 of calendar 2026, subject to approvals.

What else do investors need to know?

The seller of the Metrics shares is the McNamara Family Trust, an entity associated with departing Metrics executive Graham McNamara. While McNamara will step back from his executive role in the first half of 2026, he will remain on as an ongoing adviser.

All other Metrics executives are maintaining their current equity positions. Pinnacle is funding the purchase entirely from its existing financial resources, highlighting the strength of its balance sheet and continued focus on strategic partnerships.

What did Pinnacle Investment Management management say?

Pinnacle Managing Director, Ian Macoun, said:

Pinnacle is proud to have worked alongside the Metrics team over the past decade as the Group has grown to become one of the Asia Pacific region’s largest alternative investment managers. We continue to have enormous confidence in the ongoing domestic and international growth of Metrics, particularly as more investors recognise the benefits that can be delivered by experienced, highly diversified and large-scale private markets managers.

What’s next for Pinnacle Investment Management?

Once completed, the transaction will restore Pinnacle’s strategic influence in Metrics and support its growth ambitions. The partnership with the National Pension Service of Korea is expected to provide additional momentum, with both investors backing Metrics’ expanding presence in private markets.

Management has reiterated its commitment to supporting Metrics’ growth domestically and abroad, flagging ongoing opportunities for scale and diversification in alternative asset management.

Pinnacle Investment Management share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Pinnacle Investment Management shares have declined 15%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Pinnacle Investment Management increases Metrics Credit stake in $100.5 million deal appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Sigma Healthcare delivers double digit Chemist Warehouse sales growth in 2026
• PEXA shares: Strong 3Q26 results and FY26 guidance reaffirmed
• Austal wins extra $136m patrol boat contract, lifts order book above $17.7bn
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• Viva Energy updates investors on Geelong Refinery operations

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 Pinnacle Investment Management Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Pinnacle Investment Management 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.

Aftermarket, PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) announced its third quarter result. The ASX-listed property exchange business increased total exchange transaction volumes by 7.3%, while holding Australian property transactions steady despite market uncertainty.

What did PEXA report?

• Total exchange transaction volumes rose to 935,000 in 3Q26, up 7.3% year-on-year.
• Australian transfer volumes reached 588,000 (+7.1%), while refinance volumes grew 7.9% to 218,000, accounting for 23% of activity.
• PEXA maintained 90% national market penetration in Australia.
• UK remortgage completion volumes grew: Optima Legal up 10% and Smoove up 13% on the prior comparable period.
• Group core NPAT guidance for FY26 reaffirmed at the top end of the $15m–$25m range.
• Exchange customer satisfaction improved to 89.7% (from 87.9% in 2Q26).

What else do investors need to know?

PEXA launched its new anti-money laundering solution, PEXA Clear, in Australia ahead of regulatory changes coming in July 2026. The group also reported greater refinance activity in the Northern Territory following its recent expansion there.

In the UK, NatWest successfully completed its first remortgage on the PEXA platform in March, and PEXA was chosen to participate in the Bank of England Synchronisation Lab to develop efficient end-to-end property transaction solutions.

Guidance for FY26 has been reaffirmed, with revenue expected between $395 million and $415 million, and a group EBITDA margin of 34%–37%. International operations remain a focus, with operating cash outflow guidance of $59 million to $63 million.

What did PEXA management say?

CEO & Group Managing Director Russell Cohen said:

We delivered strong performance in the third quarter of FY26 across both Australia and the UK. In Australia, property transaction volumes remained resilient, growing 7% versus the prior year despite market uncertainty and rising interest rates. UK market growth moderated from the first half, with macroeconomic uncertainty impacting volumes in the quarter. Another quarter of robust operational performance and disciplined cost management has positioned us to deliver performance towards the top end of our FY26 NPAT guidance range.

What’s next for PEXA?

PEXA is preparing for the upcoming anti-money laundering legislation in Australia and continues to work with regulators on industry pricing. Internationally, the company is pursuing further adoption among UK lenders and conveyancers and is participating in innovation initiatives such as the Bank of England Synchronisation Lab.

Looking ahead, PEXA expects continued recovery in property transaction volumes, with targeted growth opportunities in both Australia and the UK underpinned by its digital solutions.

PEXA share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Pexa shares have risen 6%, slightly trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post PEXA shares: Strong 3Q26 results and FY26 guidance reaffirmed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Sigma Healthcare delivers double digit Chemist Warehouse sales growth in 2026
• Pinnacle Investment Management increases Metrics Credit stake in $100.5 million deal
• Austal wins extra $136m patrol boat contract, lifts order book above $17.7bn
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The Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) share price is in focus today after announcing a fresh A$136 million contract for two extra Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to be delivered to the Australian Border Force.

What did Austal report?

• Secured a contract extension to build two more Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, worth approximately A$136 million
• This raises the total number of ECCPBs for the Australian Border Force to six vessels
• Record order book now exceeds A$17.7 billion, including other major defence projects
• Ongoing delivery of Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Royal Australian Navy, with ten already handed over
• Annual contribution of A$500–700 million to the order book from local and international defence programs

What else do investors need to know?

Austal has a strong track record, having delivered eight original Cape-class patrol boats to the Australian Border Force from 2012 to 2015, plus further deliveries to other customers including the Royal Australian Navy and Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard.

The company continues to benefit from Australia’s focus on sovereign shipbuilding, with support from federal programs and Defence partnerships. The new award signals ongoing faith in Austal’s ship design and delivery capability.

The company provides in-service support from multiple sites around Australia and remains a key supplier in the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1), approaching completion of 24 vessels.

What did Austal management say?

Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said:

Austal has delivered ten Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats to the Royal Australian Navy in just over five years, and construction is well advanced on the first four vessels for the Australian Border Force. These additional two vessels further strengthen our record order-book of more than A$17.7 billion, which includes eighteen Landing Craft Medium and eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels to be delivered to the Australian Army, under the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia.

What’s next for Austal?

Looking ahead, construction of the two new patrol boats will take place at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, supported by a national supply chain and close collaboration with Defence.

Austal’s record order book gives strong long-term revenue visibility, with projects spanning both military and government customers at home and overseas. Management’s focus remains on on-time delivery and growing its sustainment and export businesses.

Austal share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Austal shares have declined 18%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 7% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Austal wins extra $136m patrol boat contract, lifts order book above $17.7bn 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.