Category: Stock Market

The leader of a particular industry can be an appealing investment due to its market share, profit margins and brand power. The ASX blue-chip share Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) is an appealing ASX dividend share because of the impressive dividend yield.

Medibank is the leading private health insurance business in Australia, with its Medibank and ahm brands.

The recent FY26 half-year result showed a number of positive growth numbers, which bodes well for long-term growth of its dividend payouts.

ASX blue-chip share’s earnings recap

A key driver of value for the business is policyholder growth. Net resident policyholders grew by 1.9% (or 38,300) and net non-resident policy unit growth was 1,500 (or 0.4%).

The policyholder growth helped group revenue from external customers increase by 5.5% to $4.5 billion.

Health insurance operating profit rose 3.5% to $361.5 million, Medibank Health (a separate division) saw operating profit increase 28.5% to $48.3 million. This led to group operating profit increase 6% to $381.7 million.

Net profit after tax (NPAT) declined 11% to $302.9 million, though that was largely because of a reduction in the ASX blue-chip share’s net investment income.

This helped fund a 6.4% increase in the interim dividend per share to 8.3 cents.

Is it a buy for the solid dividend yield?

The business continues growing its operating profit and this is a key driver for the dividend payments.

For the company, it’s also pleasing to see that Medibank Health is growing with an “increase in community and acute reflecting strong volume growth and increase in ownership of Amplar Health Home Hospital and growth in wellbeing in line with increased Live Better members and financial wellbeing policies.” The business has unlocked another growth avenue that offers defensive earnings.

Medibank is aiming to grow its market share in FY26 in a “disciplined way” in the resident health insurance market, though the industry is expected to see slower growth in FY26 compared to FY25. Non-resident health insurance aims to deliver solid gross profit growth.

Broker UBS is expecting steady earnings per share (EPS) and dividend growth from the business over the next few years. The broker forecasts that the annual dividend per share could be 19 cents in FY26, which translates into a potential grossed-up dividend yield of 6.2%, including franking credits.

The payout could rise again to 20 cents per share in FY27. This would be a grossed-up dividend yield of 6.5%, including franking credits.

For a ASX blue-chip share that’s steadily growing the payout, I think this ASX blue-chip share is a solid opportunity.

The post Is this ASX blue-chip share a buy for its 6.5% dividend yield? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Medibank just raised its dividend. Here’s what you need to know
• Medibank Private lifts profit and dividend in first half 2026

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison 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 SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR) share price is in focus today after the hotel commerce platform reported strong half-year growth. Revenue jumped 25.5% to $131.1 million, while adjusted EBITDA more than doubled to $12.3 million as momentum in its Smart Platform continued.

What did SiteMinder report?

• Total revenue up 25.5% to $131.1 million (23.0% growth on constant currency and organic basis)
• Annualised recurring revenue (ARR) increased 29.7% to $280.3 million
• Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled to $12.3 million from $5.3 million
• Adjusted net loss narrowed to $3.9 million from $9.0 million a year ago
• Free cash flow improved to $2.7 million from ($0.6) million
• Gross margin rose to 67.8%, up 98bps, with subscription margins at 86.7%

What else do investors need to know?

SiteMinder’s Smart Platform initiatives continued to scale, with Channels Plus now used by 7,000 hotels and Dynamic Revenue Plus managing over 20,000 rooms. Transactional revenue growth surged 39.1%, driven by increased product adoption and new distribution use cases.

The company added 2,900 net properties during the half, taking the total to 53,000. Average revenue per property (ARPU) lifted 11.3% to $435, reflecting strong uptake of subscription and transaction products. LTV/CAC improved to 6.7x, indicating greater efficiency in customer acquisition and retention.

What did SiteMinder management say?

CEO and Managing Director Sankar Narayan said:

Our performance in H1FY26 reflects the accelerating contribution of the Smart Platform. While we remain in the early stages of the adoption and monetisation curve, the platform is contributing meaningfully to growth and margins, reinforcing our confidence in the long-term opportunity as we continue to execute across go-to-market and invest in product development.

What’s next for SiteMinder?

SiteMinder is targeting continued strong growth in annual recurring revenue through the second half of FY26, underpinned by further Smart Platform adoption. Management expects ongoing improvements in adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, and operational metrics, supported by ongoing cost discipline and operating leverage.

The company aims to keep scaling its AI-driven products, capitalising on demand for more dynamic and complex hotel distribution. Medium-term, SiteMinder is aiming for 30% revenue growth while maintaining profitability improvements and optimising its Rule of 40 performance.

SiteMinder share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, SiteMinder shares have declined 48%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post SiteMinder: Smart Platform powers H1FY26 growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Tabcorp FY26 half-year result: Earnings grow, dividends rise
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• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises lifts dividend and franchise profitability in first-half reset
• Growthpoint Properties Australia lifts guidance
• Flight Centre Travel Group delivers record 1H earnings and dividend boost

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

Australia’s transport sector is a mixed bag right now. Some stocks are taking off, others are facing delays and one or two you might rather not board at all. Here’s a look at three very different ASX transport plays and whether they are a buy right now.

Transurban Group (ASX: TCL)

Transurban, while arguably not the most exciting stock, is a consistent one. It owns and operates major toll roads. It also holds long-term government contracts to finance and build major roads, which also cover toll operations. This cash flow and revenue predictability has seen it become popular amongst investors.

It stands to benefit from some solid structural tailwinds too. With major roads playing a critical role as metro populations expand, Transurban is well positioned to deliver.

On the flipside, road projects often face delays and cost blow-outs. For example, Transurban delivered Melbourne’s long awaited West Gate Tunnel in 2025 at a cost of $10.2 billion against a plan for 2022 delivery at $5.5 billion, with Transurban covering $2 billion of the additional cost. That said, Transurban has a history of disciplined cash flow management that has enabled it to wear one-off costs like this.

Its most recent results demonstrate why it’s worth considering. It delivered $2.02 billion in proportional total revenue (up 6%) and $343 million in statutory profit after tax. In addition, its dividend guidance for 2026 is $0.69 per share, up 6.2% on 2025, which should keep investors content.

Is Transurban a buy?

For me, it is. At current prices, Transurban isn’t likely to skyrocket your portfolio. Some analysts are predicting a small upside right now, but nothing to get excited about. However, it is likely to keep delivering stable returns and measured growth for long-term investors.

Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)

Aurizon is a national rail-freight operator, hauling bulk commodities and freight for industries such as mining and manufacturing. It operates Australia’s largest coal rail system, the 2,670km Central Queensland Coal Network. The network offers critical mine to port transportation to over 50 mines in the region.

Its significant footprint in the mining industry includes a partnership with BHP Copper SA to deliver an integrated rail, road, and port solution that will shift copper transport from road to rail along the Pimba to Port Adelaide corridor.

Aurizon delivered some stronger-than-expected results in HY26, including 16% growth in underlying net profit after tax and EBITDA growth across all its business units. Its bulk business saw the highest growth at 39%, largely driven by increased rail volumes and the first freight moved under the BHP Copper SA contract.

Where I’m caught on this one is valuation. With current share prices around the $4 mark and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of circa 23, I think there is too much risk of downside. I’m also cautious about its heavy exposure to coal mining, while noting that it has begun to diversify in recent years.

Is Aurizon a buy?

Right now, it’s a wait-and-watch story, in my opinion. I don’t think it is delivering the returns to justify its present valuation. But I think it will keep delivering growth, so I’m adding it to the watchlist. If the share price falls, it could be a winner.

Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd (ASX: VGN)

Domestic and international carrier, Virgin Australia, returned to the ASX in June 2025, after delisting in 2020 amidst the COVID crisis. Its Q1 FY26 update reported domestic capacity uplift of 5% on the prior corresponding period. It also reaffirmed that revenue per available seat kilometre (RASK) should meet expected growth of 3% to 5% in HY26.

But there are potential pitfalls ahead. While Virgin Australia enjoys a duopoly on major domestic routes across Australia, it doesn’t inoculate it from economic headwinds. Although Australians love to travel, as budgets continue to tighten, changes in discretionary spending could prove challenging. Additionally, the relatively thin margins in the airline industry leave it sensitive to operating cost changes, from fuel to labour.

As we await HY26 results on Friday, this one has me thinking. I’m uncomfortable with its more recent corporate history – multiple restructures, ownership changes, and strategic resets. And I am not sure even great results would be enough to convince me just yet.

Is Virgin Australia a buy?

For me, it’s a not a buy right now. Some analysts have said they see upside at current prices, however, so I may be going against the grain on this one. But I think Virgin needs longer to show it has truly recovered from a challenging period.

The post Planes, trains and automobiles: Which of these ASX transport stocks has fuel in the tank? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Transurban posts higher 1H26 profit and revenue as key projects open
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The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Following the release of HY26 earnings last week, retailers JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX:JBH) and Wesfarmers Limited (ASX:WES) hit roughly the same share price, as one rose and the other fell. Two retailers, very different investment profiles. In a challenging market, which retail share is the better buy?

The case for JB Hi-Fi

JB Hi-Fi is a high-growth, lean retail business that has shown real momentum since the early 2000s, becoming one of Australia’s largest and most successful speciality retailers.

It’s HY26 results were impressive, including:

• Revenue up 7.3% on the prior corresponding period (PCP) to $6.1 billion
• Net profit after tax up 7.1% to $305.8 million
• 32% growth in its New Zealand business
• Dividends up 23.5% to $2.10

Its share price has experienced some volatility lately, perhaps driven by slower than expected growth in The Good Guys brand, softer January sales and consumer spending headwinds.

Its January sales drop off has been attributed to a combination of temporary stock shortages and the impact of Black Friday pulling sales forward to November. And this shift in peak season aligns with CommBank IQ retail data. The data shows that sales peaked over the 2-week Black Friday period, up 4.6% year on year, and up 19.5% on the fortnightly average for Australian retailers.

Many analysts are seeing upside at current prices, and I tend to agree.

Over the last six months, its share price has dropped circa 28%, but if you Zoom out, it is up some 92% over the last five years. I think this is a better indicator of the retailer’s performance. While consumer spending decline is a risk for this business, its strong branding as a discount retailer will keep it top of mind for budget conscious consumers

The case for Wesfarmers

Wesfarmers is one of Australia’s largest and most diversified retailers. It may not have the growth momentum of JB Hi-Fi, but it is a solid operator, demonstrating consistent earnings performance and disciplined capital management throughout multiple economic cycles.

This is reflected in its HY26 results, which showcased stability in a challenging retail climate, including:

• Revenue up 3.1% on PCP to $24.2 billion 
• EBIT up 8.4% to $2.49 billion 
• Net profit after tax up 9.3% to $1.6 billion
• Dividends (fully franked) up 7.4% to $1.02

Wesfarmers share price has also experienced some volatility, likely off the back of consumer spending decline and pressure on its lower-performing Target and Officeworks brands. Retail leaders Kmart and Bunnings both pick up their share of the slack, with both showcasing strong growth in the first half of FY26.

It’s notable that Wesfarmers has delivered consistent growth in revenue, profit and dividends throughout the 2020s, a decade that is proving a challenge for retailers.

Wesfarmers is parent company to over 35 brands that extend out of the retail sector, too. This wide footprint gives it exposure to a range of markets and a defensive business mix. It’s brands outside the retail sector include online healthcare provider, Instascripts, data powerhouse, FlyBuys, natural gas provider, Kleenheat, and lithium miner, Covalent Lithium (a 50/50 joint venture with Mt Holland Lithium Project).

As with JB Hi-Fi, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture for Wesfarmers. Over the last six months, its share price has fallen some 12% but has grown 65% over a 5-year period. For a business of this quality and scale, I think current prices can be considered a short-term dip.

The verdict

Both are good options, so it really depends on what you want to achieve.

JB Hi Fi has significant upside right now. So, in my view, it’s the one to buy if you’re looking for a growth share with exciting momentum and your risk appetite will allow for some temporary volatility.

Wesfarmers remains a compelling, if not a hugely exciting, buy. Its scale, defensive business mix and track record of disciplined execution make it a reliable performer. Its fully franked dividend is also appealing. So, for me, it’s the one to buy if you want a steady investment to hold long-term.

The post JB Hi-Fi vs.Wesfarmers: Which retail stock deserves a place in your portfolio? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Experts name 3 ASX dividend shares to buy
• Why are Wesfarmers shares tumbling today?
• How to build a $40,000 ASX share portfolio in 5 years
• Is Wesfarmers stock a post-earnings buy?

Motley Fool contributor Melissa Maddison 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 Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Your late-40s are the sweet spot between where superannuation balances are large enough to gather some good momentum, but at a time when there are still enough years left before retirement to fix any mistakes.

After all, by the time you reach your late-40s, many Aussies are at or nearing the peak of their earnings potential. By this age, most people have enough experience, seniority and pay rises under their belt to bring in a higher wage. And the higher the wage, the bigger your superannuation balance can be.

Here’s a breakdown of the average superannuation balance of Aussies aged 40, and the balance you need by retirement.

What is the average superannuation balance at age 49?

According to Rest Super, the average superannuation balance for Australian men aged 45-49 is $193,501 and for women it is $147,146.

Although at the age of 49, you could probably assume that the average superannuation balance is closer to the age 50-54 bracket above. For men aged 50-54, the average super balance is $254,071, and for women it’s $190,175.

The problem is, while learning about the average superannuation balance at age 49 is interesting, it doesn’t paint the picture of exactly how much you should have at this age to get the retirement of your dreams.

So how much superannuation should I really have at age 49?

According to the latest ASFA Retirement Standard, the benchmark for a comfortable retirement, is just over $54,000 per year for a single person and $76,000 per year for a couple.

To support that level of spending, ASFA estimates you’ll need a super balance of roughly $595,000 as a single and $690,000 as a couple by the age of 67.

The figures also assume that you own your own home outright and assume you’re receiving the age pension.

In order to reach that number, ASFA calculates that at the age of 49, Aussies should have a superannuation balance of around $297,500.

Worrying, that is significantly below the average superannuation balance for men and women aged 45-49. It’s also far below the average balance for both men and women aged 50-54.

It means the average Aussie is already behind on their superannuation. 

The problem…

The problem is that compulsory employer superannuation contributions aren’t enough. Many Aussies think that because their superannuation is invested in a diversified portfolio, which is often benchmarked to broad market indices like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), it’ll look after itself.

But the reality is that, while the Super Guarantee helps Aussies build savings for retirement, it will never be able to fund the lifestyle that they want. This is especially the case while the cost of living continues to accelerate.

In fact, leaving your superannuation on autopilot is one of the biggest superannuation mistakes that many Aussies in their 40s are making.

By leaving your superannuation on autopilot, what might be a $5 loss today could easily snowball into $100,000 by retirement after you take compound growth into account.

The post Average superannuation balance at age 49 versus what you really need appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• WiseTech Global FY26 earnings: Robust revenue growth, AI strategy in focus
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises lifts dividend and franchise profitability in first-half reset
• Growthpoint Properties Australia lifts guidance
• Flight Centre Travel Group delivers record 1H earnings and dividend boost
• Fortescue delivers record shipments and a bigger dividend in H1 FY26 earnings

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

The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price is in focus after the company delivered a 76% surge in total revenue and a 31% lift in EBITDA for the first half of FY26.

What did WiseTech Global report?

• Total revenue rose 76% to US$672.0 million, including five months’ contribution from e2open (up 7% organically).
• CargoWise revenue increased 12% to US$372.4 million (up 9% organically), mainly from customer growth and global rollouts.
• Reported EBITDA climbed 31% to US$252.1 million, with margin at 38% (organic EBITDA increased 7% to US$208.4 million, margin 51%).
• Underlying NPAT grew 2% to US$114.5 million; statutory NPAT dropped 36% to US$68.1 million due to higher non-cash charges and interest.
• Operating cash flow up 14% to US$231.7 million; free cash flow up 24% to US$153.6 million.
• Interim dividend declared at 6.8 US cents per share, up 1% on 1H25, with a 20% payout ratio.

What else do investors need to know?

WiseTech’s half included the first five months of consolidated results from the e2open acquisition. Integration is progressing well, with US$50 million in annualised cost synergies achieved in January—eighteen months ahead of schedule.

A major focus this period has been WiseTech’s AI transformation strategy. With almost all CargoWise customers shifted to a transaction-based commercial model, WiseTech is repositioning its platform for future efficiency and customer value. The company announced plans for a phased headcount reduction of up to 50% in product, development, and customer service roles, including e2open, through FY27.

What did WiseTech Global management say?

WiseTech CEO Zubin Appoo said:

This half, we executed with discipline and delivered results in line with our expectations, and we are confident in our outlook. We continue on our deliberate AI transformation journey. AI is strengthening our advantage, enabling significantly more automation and value for our customers, embedding our products more deeply into their daily operations, and unlocking levels of efficiency gains across WiseTech that were previously out of reach.

What’s next for WiseTech Global?

Looking ahead, WiseTech reaffirmed its FY26 guidance with expected revenue between US$1.39 billion and US$1.44 billion, representing 79%–85% growth, and EBITDA of US$550–585 million, up 44%–53%. The company is targeting a continued EBITDA margin of 40–41% and aims to further reduce net leverage to below 2.0x by August 2028.

WiseTech is accelerating its investment in AI as it re-shapes its workforce and product offering. The group plans ongoing rollouts of its new commercial model and strategic integration of e2open, while delivering more software enhancements and maintaining a focus on recurring revenue and customer value.

WiseTech Global share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, WiseTech shares have declined 54%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post WiseTech Global FY26 earnings: Robust revenue growth, AI strategy in focus appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Average superannuation balance at age 49 versus what you really need
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises lifts dividend and franchise profitability in first-half reset
• Growthpoint Properties Australia lifts guidance
• Flight Centre Travel Group delivers record 1H earnings and dividend boost
• Fortescue delivers record shipments and a bigger dividend in H1 FY26 earnings

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 WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. 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 Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) share price is in focus after the company delivered a 1.0% lift in underlying EBIT to $101.5 million and boosted its interim dividend by 16.3% to 25.0 cents per share for the half-year ended December 2025.

What did Domino’s Pizza Enterprises report?

• Underlying EBIT: $101.5 million, up 1.0% on 1H25
• Network sales: down 1.6% to $2.04 billion
• Same-store sales: down 2.5%
• Franchise partner profitability: up 4.5% to $103,000
• Interim dividend: 25.0 cents per share (unfranked), up 16.3%
• Strong free cash flow supported further debt reduction

What else do investors need to know?

Domino’s took deliberate action during the half to improve franchise partner profitability by reducing heavy discounting and resetting store pricing, impacting short-term volumes but strengthening operational foundations. The refreshed leadership team, including the announced appointment of a new Group CEO, is now focused on disciplined execution and supporting franchise partners through cost-saving and simplification initiatives.

Regional performance was mixed, with Europe showing improvement—particularly in the Benelux and Germany—while softer trading persisted in Australia, Japan, and France. Importantly, franchise partners saw profitability reach its best level in three years as unit economics improved across the group.

What did Domino’s Pizza Enterprises management say?

Executive Chairman Jack Cowin said:

These results reflect deliberate decisions taken as part of our reset to strengthen the foundations of the business, prioritising an increase in franchise partner profitability.

We reduced reliance on discounting during the half. Volumes moderated, as expected, but unit economics improved. That was a conscious trade-off to build a stronger system.

Domino’s continues to offer our customers compelling value. Our focus is on targeted promotions that make sense for customers and for franchise partners.

What’s next for Domino’s Pizza Enterprises?

Looking ahead, Domino’s will continue its reset, focusing on stabilising group performance, strengthening unit economics, and keeping capital allocation disciplined. Management has reaffirmed full-year guidance and intends to measure progress through franchise partner profitability, free cash flow, and reduction in group leverage.

As the business foundations solidify, selective investment will be directed toward supporting sustainable same-store sales growth and disciplined network expansion, with the ongoing aim of delivering improved returns for both franchise partners and shareholders.

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Domino’s Pizza Enterprises shares have declined 25%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Domino’s Pizza Enterprises lifts dividend and franchise profitability in first-half reset appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Average superannuation balance at age 49 versus what you really need
• WiseTech Global FY26 earnings: Robust revenue growth, AI strategy in focus
• Growthpoint Properties Australia lifts guidance
• Flight Centre Travel Group delivers record 1H earnings and dividend boost
• Fortescue delivers record shipments and a bigger dividend in H1 FY26 earnings

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 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. 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 Growthpoint Properties Australia Ltd (ASX: GOZ) share price is in focus today after the company reported a half-year funds from operations (FFO) of $91.9 million and increased office occupancy to 94%.

What did Growthpoint Properties Australia report?

• FFO for 1H26 was $91.9 million, or 12.2 cents per security
• Statutory net profit reached $62.6 million, up from a $98.7 million loss in 1H25
• Distribution per security of 9.2 cps, payout ratio of 75.5%
• Net tangible assets per security of $3.10, stable since June 2025
• Gearing increased to 41.2%, within the target range of 35–45%
• Record office leasing on track; office occupancy improved from 92% to 94%, industrial occupancy remained high at 98%

What else do investors need to know?

Growthpoint completed significant leasing activity, with 30,068 square metres leased in its office portfolio and 62,566 sqm in its industrial portfolio. This strong leasing performance has reduced future leasing risks and improved rental stability.

The company expanded its funds management platform, adding $124.9 million of new assets under management. It also successfully divested $140 million of assets for liquidity and delivered on key environmental targets, achieving net zero emissions across direct office assets as of July 2025.

What’s next for Growthpoint Properties Australia?

Looking forward, Growthpoint has reaffirmed its FFO guidance for FY26 at 23.0–23.6 cents per security and expects to maintain distributions at 18.4 cps. Management is focused on further reducing leasing risk, pursuing record office leasing, and growing its funds management platform.

The company sees demand for office, industrial, and retail space being supported by strong migration and a tight labour market, alongside low supply and stabilised valuations. Growthpoint also continues to prioritise sustainability and tenant wellbeing across its portfolio.

Growthpoint Properties Australia share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Growthpoint Properties Australia shares have declined 10%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Growthpoint Properties Australia lifts guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Average superannuation balance at age 49 versus what you really need
• WiseTech Global FY26 earnings: Robust revenue growth, AI strategy in focus
• Domino’s Pizza Enterprises lifts dividend and franchise profitability in first-half reset
• Flight Centre Travel Group delivers record 1H earnings and dividend boost
• Fortescue delivers record shipments and a bigger dividend in H1 FY26 earnings

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 Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) share price is in focus after the company reported a 4% rise in underlying profit before tax to $124.6 million for the first half, with record total transaction value (TTV) and a 9% boost to underlying EBITDA.

What did Flight Centre Travel Group report?

• First-half TTV reached a record $12.5 billion, up 7%
• Revenue increased 6% to $1.41 billion
• Underlying profit before tax (UPBT) was $125 million, up 4%
• Underlying EBITDA rose 9% to $213 million
• Fully franked interim dividend of 12 cents per share, up 9%
• Group-wide productivity hit new highs, with TTV per full-time employee up 13%

What else do investors need to know?

Flight Centre’s corporate division delivered another record first-half, with efficiency programs boosting UPBT by 20% from just 6% TTV growth. Corporate Traveller and FCM brands both contributed, and new digital services including MelonPay and AI innovation are being rolled out.

In leisure, TTV grew 10% and the business reported improving profitability. The World360 Rewards program is gaining early traction, particularly with younger travellers, while acquisitions such as Iglu and Scott Dunn are driving growth in cruise and luxury travel respectively.

Ongoing investment in AI is helping automation and consultant productivity. The company processed over 8 million customer emails using AI, saving an estimated 67,000 hours for staff and customers alike.

What did Flight Centre Travel Group management say?

Managing Director Graham Turner said:

Our results reflect our global model’s strength and our brands’ enduring value as we continue to evolve…Despite challenging conditions, demand remains resilient and we’re using our scale, people and technology to capture a growing market.

What’s next for Flight Centre Travel Group?

Flight Centre reaffirmed full-year UPBT guidance between $315 million and $350 million, aiming for up to 15% growth on last year. The company expects stronger second-half profits, helped by leisure seasonality, new acquisitions, and cost and efficiency improvements.

Investments in technology and AI are set to continue, with $85 million in capex targeted for the year, especially toward digital tools. The business sees opportunities to further expand into emerging travel segments and leverage its loyalty programs to deepen customer relationships.

Flight Centre Travel Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Flight Centre Travel Group shares have declined 25%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

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The post Flight Centre Travel Group delivers record 1H earnings and dividend boost 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 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. 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 Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price is in focus after the company posted record H1 iron ore shipments alongside a 23% lift in underlying EBITDA.

What did Fortescue report?

• First half FY26 iron ore shipments: 100.2 million tonnes, up 3% year-on-year
• Revenue: US$8.4 billion, up 10%
• Underlying EBITDA: US$4.5 billion, up 23% (margin 53%)
• Net profit after tax: US$1.9 billion, up 23%
• Fully franked interim dividend: A$0.62 per share, 24% higher than prior interim
• Net cash flow from operations: US$3.2 billion; free cash flow: US$1.5 billion

What else do investors need to know?

Fortescue’s strong balance sheet saw it finish the period with US$4.7 billion in cash and net debt of just US$1.0 billion. The company successfully syndicated a low-cost Renminbi term loan and undertook proactive debt management through repayments and buybacks.

Operational efficiency continues to be a priority, with the company achieving an industry-low Hematite C1 unit cost of US$18.64 per wet metric tonne—a 3% reduction. Decarbonisation efforts ramped up, including major solar, wind, and electric mining equipment projects, with more than 3,600 solar panels being installed daily at the Cloudbreak mine.

Strategically, Fortescue advanced plans to acquire the remaining 64% stake in Alta Copper, expanding its footprint in Latin America. Exploration also progressed on critical minerals across locations in Australia and overseas.

What did Fortescue management say?

Fortescue Metals and Operations CEO Dino Otranto said:

It’s been a standout first half of the financial year. We delivered record shipments of 100.2 million tonnes while keeping our people safe and costs low.

We have the lowest operating cost in the industry, and decarbonisation is pushing that even lower. By removing diesel across our operations, we’re structurally improving our cost position. The more diesel we eliminate, the less exposure we have to price volatility, and the stronger and more predictable our margins become.

What’s next for Fortescue?

Looking ahead, Fortescue has provided FY26 guidance for iron ore shipments of 195–205 million tonnes and expects the Hematite C1 unit cost to range between US$17.50 and US$18.50 per wet metric tonne. Capital expenditure guidance remains unchanged, including ongoing investments in metals, decarbonisation, and green energy.

Management plans to complete the Alta Copper acquisition shortly and will focus on technical reviews and project studies afterwards. Further progress is expected at the Belinga Iron Ore Project, with continued work on integrated infrastructure solutions. Decarbonisation programs are set to remain a major focus area.

Fortescue share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Fortescue shares have risen 12%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 9% over the same period.

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The post Fortescue delivers record shipments and a bigger dividend in H1 FY26 earnings 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.