Category: Stock Market

The AIC Mines Ltd (ASX: A1M) share price is in focus after the company delivered a strong set of FY26 results, with revenue rising 29% to $245.2 million and net profit after tax surging 177% to $41.5 million.

What did AIC Mines report?

• Sales revenue: $245.2 million, up 29% from FY25
• EBITDA: $108.1 million, up 71% from FY25
• Net profit after tax: $41.5 million, up 177% from FY25
• Operating cash flow: $107 million, up 110%
• Basic earnings per share: 5.27 cents (FY25: 2.60 cents)
• No dividend declared

What else do investors need to know?

AIC Mines maintained solid safety standards, with its Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate improving from 12.0 to 5.7. The company produced 13,064 tonnes of copper and 6,621 ounces of gold in concentrate at its Eloise operation, achieving cost guidance for the third year in a row.

Development of the Jericho mine delivered 2,451 metres during the year, helping set up future growth by adding more ore sources and supporting the planned expansion of Eloise’s processing plant. The business finished FY26 with $41.7 million in cash and a strengthened balance sheet, with an enlarged US$50 million Trafigura debt facility, $20 million of which remains undrawn.

What did AIC Mines management say?

Managing Director and CEO Aaron Colleran commented:

FY26 has been a transformative year with robust operational and financial results driven by solid execution at Eloise and strong advancement of the Jericho development. The new processing plant expansion is on schedule, and we’re well positioned for our next phase of growth.

What’s next for AIC Mines?

Looking ahead, AIC Mines will focus on commissioning the upgraded Eloise processing plant in late 2026. This expansion is expected to lift production and improve economies of scale, with the aim of producing over 25,000 tonnes of copper annually by FY29. The company also plans to continue mine development at Jericho and pursue further growth opportunities in its exploration pipeline.

AIC Mines share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, AIC Mines shares have risen 176%, significantly outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

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The post AIC Mines net profit soars 177% as plant expansion powers growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Higher for longer? Why the ASX 200 just turned negative
• ASX Limited FY26 final dividend: DRP participation and underwriting revealed
• Future Generation Global earnings: Profit and revenue drop, dividend rises
• Capricorn Metals completes Big Springs divestment, sharpens gold focus

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.

It was shaping up to be such a happy hump day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). After closing at 9,164.6 points yesterday, the ASX 200 opened higher this morning, starting trade at above 9,180 points, and climbing to 9,220.6 points by mid-morning. That was just a whisker away from the index’s all-time high of 9.296.7 points.

Well-received earnings reports from ASX shares like Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Perseus Mining Ltd (ASX: PRU), as well as the galloping BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) share price, were all pulling their weight to lift the ASX 200 to that height. But alas, it wasn’t to last. Just before lunchtime, the index took a dramatic turn for the worse. It fell below the breakeven line just after midday, and is now firmly in negative territory, down 0.2% at the time of writing at just under 9,150 points.

So what has gone so wrong for the ASX 200 this Wednesday?

Well, it starts and stops with inflation. Specifically, the latest economic data out from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), covering the month of July.

As my Fool colleague Aaron went through earlier, the ABS revealed that inflation ran at 1% over July, giving the Australian economy an annual inflation rate of 3.5% for the preceding 12 months. Although that was down from 3.8% in June, it is still well above the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s target band of 203%.

Core inflation, which is the metric that the RBA prefers to use to measure price increases, was at 0.5% in July and 3.6% for the 12 months. That was higher than the 0.3% that most economists reportedly expected.

Why does higher inflation mean lower ASX 200 share prices?

Given that the ASX 200 began its downward turn almost immediately after these numbers were released today, it is clear that this is scaring investors. But why? Well, the obvious conclusion is that the market now expects inflation to remain higher for longer, and that means potentially higher interest rates sooner.

We all know that interest rates have severe impacts on the economy. Rate hikes are infamous for taking a larger chink of income from anyone with a mortgage. But they are also bad news for share prices. Higher rates increase the attractiveness of safe investments outside the share market. Think savings accounts, term deposits, and government bonds. If these investments, which are already offering investors safe yields of 5% or even higher, become even more attractive, many investors will pull money out of the share market and put it into these assets.

Further, investors often use ‘risk-free’ rates to put a value on ASX shares. This risk-free rate is usually a derivative of the cash rate. So it is this double-edged sword that cuts into share prices when interest rates rise. Investors know this, and given the higher-than-expected inflation number out today, are adjusting their expectations accordingly.

That’s probably why the ASX 200 took such a sharp turn for the worse during intra-day trading. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.

The post Higher for longer? Why the ASX 200 just turned negative appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Inflation falls again, but could the RBA still raise interest rates?
• ASX 200 closes in on record territory as BHP and Woolworths surge
• Will CBA shares ever get back to the top of the ASX 200?
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) share price is in focus today after the company announced details on its final FY26 dividend, including a 31.06% participation rate in its Dividend Reinvestment Plan and partial underwriting arrangements.

What did ASX Limited report?

• FY26 final dividend of 104.7 cents per share, payable 21 September 2026
• Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) applies to final dividend
• 31.06% of shareholders opted into the DRP, equating to $63.56 million out of a $204.6 million total dividend
• DRP shares to be issued at a 2.5% discount to average market price over nine days
• Barrenjoey Markets Pty Limited to underwrite 18.94% of dividend, lifting DRP coverage to 50% ($102.3 million)

What else do investors need to know?

ASX Limited’s new DRP shares will be issued at a discount, giving investors a small benefit for choosing to reinvest their dividends. Barrenjoey Markets will underwrite the portion of the DRP not taken up by shareholders, ensuring half of the FY26 final dividend is reinvested into new ASX shares.

The underwriting agreement includes several conditions that could see it terminated, mostly relating to regulatory, legal, or significant adverse events. ASX will pay Barrenjoey a brokerage fee of $150,000 and capped costs for this arrangement.

What’s next for ASX Limited?

Investors can expect the FY26 final dividend to be paid on 21 September 2026, with new DRP shares issued shortly after. The company’s approach, combining shareholder participation and partial underwriting, aims to balance capital management and shareholder preferences.

ASX Limited continues to prioritise transparent shareholder returns, with the DRP offering a flexible way for investors to increase their holdings in the company.

View Original Announcement

The post ASX Limited FY26 final dividend: DRP participation and underwriting revealed appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today
• ASX Ltd FY26 results: revenue up 13%, technology upgrades, dividend declared
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• 3 ASX All Ords shares to sell this week: Experts

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 Future Generation Global Ltd (ASX: FGG) share price is in focus after the company reported a significant year-on-year profit and revenue drop, with net profit down 69% to $8.6 million and revenue sliding 64% to $15.3 million for the half-year ended 30 June 2026.

What did Future Generation Global report?

• Revenue from ordinary activities fell 64.3% to $15.29 million
• Net profit after tax dropped 68.6% to $8.59 million
• Fully franked interim dividend of 4.2 cents per share declared (up from 4.0c last year)
• Net tangible assets (NTA) before tax of $1.62 per share at 30 June 2026 (down from $1.74 at Dec 2025)
• -Total shareholder return (TSR) of 16.5% for the half year, including franking credits

What else do investors need to know?

Future Generation Global’s investment portfolio delivered a 2.4% return over the half, lagging the MSCI AC World Index (AUD), which returned 7.4%. The company points to a highly concentrated global share market, with much of the index growth driven by a handful of large technology and AI companies.

FGG’s diversified portfolio focuses on small to mid-cap global equities and continues its social impact commitment, with $6.9 million set for donation in 2026 to youth mental health non-profits. Since inception, the company has donated $57.4 million to these causes, enabled by pro bono investment management.

What’s next for Future Generation Global?

Looking ahead, FGG’s board has raised the interim dividend and maintains a strong profits reserve, with around 7.9 years of dividend cover based on current reserves. The investment team believes the diversified, active fund manager approach will help navigate ongoing global market volatility.

The company will also deliver its eleventh annual donation later this year, reinforcing its commitment to social impact while seeking to grow shareholder returns.

Future Generation Global share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Future Generation Global shares have risen 6%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Future Generation Global earnings: Profit and revenue drop, dividend rises 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.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) shares are in focus after the company finalised the divestment of its Big Springs Gold Project, securing upfront consideration of $13.7 million and future potential milestone payments.

What did Capricorn Metals report?

• Received upfront consideration of A$13.7 million—A$8.5 million in cash and a 6.2% equity stake in Sentinel Metals Ltd, valued at approximately A$5.2 million
• Eligible for up to A$12.5 million in deferred milestone payments, dependent on exploration or price milestones at Big Springs
• Ongoing indirect exposure to Big Springs through the Sentinel shareholding
• Transaction ensures continued focus on Capricorn’s core WA projects, Karlawinda and Mt Gibson

What else do investors need to know?

Capricorn Metals acquired the Big Springs project through its 2025 merger with Warriedar Resources, but now identifies it as non-core. The sale to Sentinel Metals allows Capricorn to sharpen its strategic focus on its Western Australian gold operations.

By retaining both upfront shares and milestone entitlements in Sentinel, Capricorn maintains potential upside should the Big Springs project deliver resource growth or become more valuable. The staged payments are triggered by resource milestones or significant increases in Sentinel’s share price.

Longreach Capital and Corrs Chambers Westgarth acted as advisers on the transaction, supporting Capricorn through the sales process.

What did Capricorn Metals management say?

Executive Chairman Mark Clark said:

The Big Springs project was acquired as part of the Warriedar Resources merger in 2025. The project is non-core to Capricorn so its sale ensures the Company’s continued focus on Karlawinda and Mt Gibson in WA. However the transaction sees Capricorn retain continued exposure to exploration success by Sentinel at Big Springs through deferred milestone payments and an equity investment in Sentinel.

What’s next for Capricorn Metals?

With Big Springs handed over, Capricorn Metals plans to direct resources toward its cornerstone gold assets at Karlawinda and Mt Gibson in Western Australia. The company now enjoys improved balance sheet flexibility and clear operational priorities.

Future cash flows could benefit from the deferred milestone payments if Sentinel makes exploration breakthroughs or successful divestments at Big Springs. Investors will be watching for any developments at those projects as well as updates from Capricorn’s core portfolio.

Capricorn Metals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Capricorn Metals shares have risen 77%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Capricorn Metals completes Big Springs divestment, sharpens gold focus appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday

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 S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has rallied higher over the past month as inflation concerns ease and investor confidence returns to the share market.

The rotation into ASX 200 shares has pushed some huge players to an all-time high. Here’s how South32 Ltd (ASX: S32), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are tracking today. And what brokers expect next.

Buy South32 shares

The ASX miner announced a substantial jump in its ore reserve estimate at its Sierra Gorda mine yesterday. The update extends the mine’s reserve life by another five years, to 2045.

The Sierra Gorda copper mine, in which South32 holds a 45% stake, is a large, open pit operation in northern Chile. This major jump in ore reserves and resources comes after significant drilling to better define the orebody, providing more certainty over future production.

The share price is also in focus ahead of the company’s FY26 financial results, which it is due to post to the ASX tomorrow.

At the time of writing, the shares have risen slightly, by around 0.5% to $5.14 a piece. Today’s rise might be small but it has pushed South32 shares to a fresh four-year high.

South32 shares are now up around 45% for the year-to-date and are 77% higher than 12 months ago.

At the time of writing, brokers are positive about the stock. But after the latest rally, some forecasts imply a downside ahead. Market Index data shows the majority have a hold rating but the $4.94 average target price now implies a downside of around 4%.

Sell Woolworths shares

ASX consumer staples stock Woolworths is turning heads today after it posted its full-year FY26 results to the market this morning.

The supermarket giant reported a 3.6% year-on-year boost in sales to $71.54 billion. And EBITDA (before significant items) increased by 6.7% to $6.09 billion. On the bottom line, Woolworths achieved a NPAT (before significant items) of $1.60 billion, up 15.4%.

The bumper results meant management were able to increase the final fully-franked dividend by 15.6% from last year’s final payout of 52 cents per share.

Investors were clearly pleased with the result.

At the time of writing, the shares are up around 4% for the day so far and are changing hands at a multi-year high of $40.50 a piece.

The shares are now up around 38% for the year-to-date and are 21% higher than 12 months ago.

But after the latest rally, market experts are warning that the shares are now overpricing and trading above fair value.

Market Index data shows sentiment is split between a hold and sell rating. But the $37.13 average target price now implies a potential 8% downside over the next 12 months, at the time of writing.

Hold BHP shares

Mining giant BHP has had an exceptional rally over the past 12 months. Copper prices have significantly boosted the miner’s profits at the same time that iron ore has remained reasonably resilient.

The latest rally was also supported by the miner’s record FY26 earnings results, which it posted to the ASX last week. 

The group posted a strong operational performance across all its key segments and an impressive 27% increase in its underlying EBITDA. 

Investors were clearly thrilled with the results and many rushed to snap up the stock.

At the time of writing, BHP shares are up around 0.5% and trading at a fresh all-time high of $68.02 a piece. That’s a 49% increase for the year-to-date and 60% above trading levels this time last year.

But after a strong rally, it looks like BHP shares have now reached a ceiling. In fact, some think that the stock is now trading above fair value and could be due a correction.

Market Index data shows that the majority of brokers have a hold rating on BHP shares. But the $61.78 average target price now implies a 9% downside ahead, at the time of writing.

The post South32, Woolworths, BHP shares reach 52-week high: Buy, sell or hold? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Everything you need to know about the Woolworths dividend
• ASX 200 closes in on record territory as BHP and Woolworths surge
• Why Woolworths, Domino’s and DroneShield shares are turning heads on Wednesday
• How many Woolworths shares do I need to earn $10,000 per year in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has positions in BHP Group. 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 BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) share price is in focus as the company unveils new $175 million debt facilities and expects to recognise a $29 million liability in its European segment following a revenue recognition review.

What did Corporate Travel Management report?

• Secured new $175 million debt facilities with PEP Credit, replacing existing $75 million facility
• Maintains $65 million bank guarantee and transaction facilities from existing lenders
• Estimates annualised cash interest costs will be around $20 million in FY27 and FY28
• Will recognise a $29 million liability in the European segment due to revenue recognition review
• Impairment charge of $89 million expected for the ANZ segment

What else do investors need to know?

Corporate Travel Management’s FY25 and 1H26 financial statements will be released by 28 August 2026, with the company expecting its FY26 full year results to follow soon after. The company has completed reviews into its air margin accounting in Europe and asset impairments for key segments, providing shareholders with clarity on historical financial issues.

CTM continues to enjoy strong support from lenders, securing both traditional and new financing options to manage its ongoing obligations, including remediation payments to key UK clients. The new funding enhances liquidity and ensures operational stability as the company completes its outstanding statutory reporting.

CTM has appointed Barrenjoey and Morgans Financial Limited to assist with investor engagement during this period of transition.

What did Corporate Travel Management management say?

Managing Director and Group CEO Ana Pedersen said:

These financing arrangements are an important step forward for CTM and provide greater certainty as we complete our outstanding financial reporting. We have made substantial progress resolving the historical matters identified through our reviews, allowing us to move forward with greater clarity and focus for our clients, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders.

What’s next for Corporate Travel Management?

The company is focused on completing its FY25 and 1H26 financial statements and expects to provide FY26 results soon after. Meeting the conditions of the new debt facilities—such as issuing audited accounts without a going concern qualification—remains a key priority.

CTM is working to finalise contract negotiations in the UK and address remediation obligations. The new funding arrangements and ongoing lender support put CTM on a firmer financial footing as it looks to rebuild confidence and support stakeholders into FY27 and beyond.

View Original Announcement

The post Corporate Travel Management secures new funding and updates on FY25 and 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 positions in and has recommended Corporate Travel Management. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Corporate Travel Management. 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 L1 Gold Fund Ltd (ASX: LGF) share price is back in focus today as the company wraps up its institutional placement and entitlement offers, raising about $254.9 million with strong shareholder demand.

What did L1 Gold Fund report?

• Successfully completed an institutional placement, entitlement offer, and shortfall offer totalling approximately $254.9 million at $2.25 per new share
• Placement raised $160.3 million, Institutional Entitlement Offer $52.5 million, and Shortfall Offer $42.0 million
• Founders Mark Landau and Raphael Lamm fully participated, taking up $52.5 million in entitlements
• New shares to be allotted on 2 September 2026 and commence trading on 3 September 2026
• Retail entitlement offer aiming to raise up to $261.7 million opens 31 August 2026

What else do investors need to know?

The placement and entitlement offers received strong support from both existing and new eligible shareholders, highlighting ongoing confidence in the company and the gold sector. L1 Group chose not to take up its $42 million entitlement so these shares could be allocated to new investors in the shortfall offer, but may subscribe to any retail shortfall.

Eligible retail shareholders will be able to buy 1 new share for every 3 held as at the record date, at an issue price matching the pre-tax net tangible asset value. The offers are not underwritten and the investment manager, L1 Capital Pty Ltd, will bear all fundraising costs.

What’s next for L1 Gold Fund?

The retail entitlement offer will open on 31 August 2026 and close on 9 September 2026. Eligible investors can also apply for extra shares beyond their entitlement through a top-up facility, with allocation at the company’s discretion.

Once the capital raising is complete, L1 Gold Fund expects to use the fresh funds to continue investing in gold and precious metals, aiming to strengthen its portfolio for long-term shareholder value.

View Original Announcement

The post L1 Gold Fund raises $254.9m in placement and entitlement offers appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• L1 Gold Fund posts debut FY26 result and capital raise update

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.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) shares are taking a hit on Wednesday after the travel company released its FY26 results.

At the time of writing, the Flight Centre share price is down 6.79% to $12.08.

The reaction is probably not what shareholders were hoping for, especially with a few solid numbers in the result.

But once you dig a little deeper, there are also some weaker spots that help explain why the market has reacted this way.

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.

FY26 results were mixed

Flight Centre reported record total transaction value (TTV) of $25.7 billion, up 4.7% from FY25, while revenue increased 2.5% to $2.9 billion.

Underlying EBITDA also moved higher, rising 3.9% to $466 million. However, underlying profit before tax went the other way, falling 4% to $278 million.

Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) increased 38% to $149 million, while earnings per share (EPS) jumped 43% to 70.9 cents.

Shareholders also received some good news on the dividend front, with Flight Centre declaring a fully franked final dividend of 30 cents per share. This takes the full-year payout to 42 cents, up 5% on FY25.

The company said trading was strong through the first 9 months before conflict in the Middle East disrupted travel during the fourth quarter.

Flight Centre estimates the disruption cost its leisure business around $60 million in profit.

Why are Flight Centre shares falling?

The weaker result from Flight Centre’s leisure business looks to be one of the biggest reasons investors are selling the shares today.

Barrenjoey analyst Matt Ryan said underlying profit before tax came in around 2% below market expectations, while the leisure division missed consensus by about 8%.

There was still growth in travel volumes, with leisure TTV rising 7.4% to $12.6 billion. But that didn’t flow through to earnings, with underlying EBITDA falling 6.7% to $250 million and underlying profit before tax dropping 21.7% to $139 million.

The corporate business had a stronger year, with underlying profit before tax rising 28% to $240 million.

Furthermore, there’s also a few reasons for investors to be cautious heading into FY27.

Flight Centre expects corporate earnings to be more heavily weighted toward the second-half, with first-half profit likely to come in below last year.

Flight Centre pointed to the Middle East war, upfront investment, currency movements and contract timing as reasons for the softer start.

What happens next?

Despite the subdued mood, there are still a few positive signs heading into FY27.

Flight Centre said July delivered record TTV and its strongest July leisure profit since 2015.

Long-haul travel from Australia is also starting to improve, which could help the business over the year ahead.

RBC Capital Markets highlighted the strong July performance, although there’s still some uncertainty around how quickly earnings can recover.

Investors should get a better idea in November, when Flight Centre plans to provide its FY27 earnings guidance at its AGM.

The post Flight Centre shares are sinking 7% after its FY26 results. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL) share price is in focus today after the company delivered a full-year FY26 result in line with guidance. The company raised its dividend above guidance to 18.5 cents per share and reported improved margins, despite softer revenue in challenging market conditions.

What did IVE Group report?

• Revenue fell 1.8% to $937.4 million from $954.8 million in FY25.
• Pre-AASB 16 underlying NPAT increased 3.0% to $52.5 million.
• Post-AASB 16 underlying NPAT slipped 1.7% to $51.2 million.
• IFRS NPAT dropped to $37.4 million from $46.7 million a year ago.
• Final fully franked dividend lifted to 9.0 cents per share, resulting in a full-year dividend of 18.5 cents per share, topping guidance.
• Net debt was $173.2 million, up from $114.4 million, reflecting recent acquisitions and investments in capacity.

What else do investors need to know?

IVE Group continued to roll out its 2030 strategy during the year, integrating three new acquisitions—Impressu, Daily Press, and BMS. The group moved five business units to its new Kemps Creek supersite and opened a NSW packaging plant, aiming to unlock operational efficiencies and expansion opportunities.

The company also focused on commercialising artificial intelligence, combining in-house platforms and strategic partnerships to drive recurring revenue and productivity. Additionally, its third-party logistics footprint grew with a new facility in Dandenong and significant client wins.

What did IVE Group management say?

Managing Director Matt Aitken said:

IVE delivered on guidance with a solid full-year performance underpinned by continued margin resilience, despite an increasingly difficult economic landscape. Over the past year the Group has made good progress against our 2030 strategy including the move to the new Dandenong 3PL site, the relocation of five business units to the Kemps Creek supersite and a number of scale enhancing and/or strategic acquisitions together which provide additional opportunities for operational efficiencies and long-term revenue growth.

What’s next for IVE Group?

Looking ahead to FY27, management expects underlying NPAT before lease accounting impacts to remain broadly stable. Capital expenditure is set to fall sharply to about $26 million as major fit-outs and capacity expansions wrap up.

IVE Group plans to keep net debt below 1.5 times pre-AASB 16 EBITDA, and will return to a dividend payout ratio of 55–65% of underlying earnings. Board renewal will see four directors retire over two years, supporting further evolution as IVE pursues its long-term growth strategy.

IVE Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, IVE Group shares have declined 3%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 2% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post IVE Group posts FY26 result, beats dividend guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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