Category: Stock Market

The Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHS) share price is in focus after the company reported first-half FY26 net profit after tax attributable to owners of $160.7 million and announced a fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents per share.

What did Ramsay Health Care report?

• Revenue from contracts with customers: $9,340.8 million, up 9.7% from 1H FY25
• Net profit after tax attributable to owners: $160.7 million, versus a $104.9 million loss in 1H FY25
• Underlying net profit after tax after non-controlling interests: $171.7 million, up 8.1%
• EBITDA: $1,118.4 million, up 6.4%
• Fully franked interim dividend: 42.5c per share, an increase of 6.3%
• Basic earnings per share (after CARES): 66.4 cents, up 234%

What else do investors need to know?

Ramsay’s results reflected improved performance in its core Australian business and the absence of large impairments seen in the UK segment last year. Group revenue climbed on the back of increased activity and higher case acuity, particularly in Australia and Europe.

The company proposed to distribute its shareholding in Ramsay Santé, its European business, to shareholders via an in‑specie distribution if approved. The board declared a fully franked interim dividend of 42.5 cents, with a payout ratio of roughly 60% of underlying net profit after tax from continuing operations. Ramsay suspended its Dividend Reinvestment Plan for this dividend.

What’s next for Ramsay Health Care?

Looking forward, Ramsay expects EBIT growth in Australia to continue, supported by ongoing activity growth, revenue indexation, and cost control. The UK acute hospital segment is preparing for continued NHS budget constraints until the new NHS fiscal year commences in April, after which additional funding is anticipated.

In Europe, Ramsay Santé’s focus remains on cost control and operational efficiency, particularly as tariff indexation in France remains low. Across all regions, capital discipline and productivity improvements are key priorities. Group capex guidance for FY26 has been lowered to $755–795 million.

Ramsay Health Care share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Ramsay Health Care shares have risen 13%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post Ramsay Health Care posts 1H FY26 earnings; lifts dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Worley posts HY26 results
• Neuren Pharmaceuticals shares paused ahead of company announcement
• Lynas Rare Earths earnings: Profit jumps as growth strategy kicks off
• DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts
• Atlas Arteria results: 2025 toll revenue climbs, 40c distribution on track

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 Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) share price is in focus today, after the company reported a sharp jump in half-year net profit to $80.2 million and revenue to $413.7 million.

What did Lynas Rare Earths report?

• Revenue grew to $413.7 million (1H FY25: $254.3 million)
• Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) surged to $80.2 million (1H FY25: $5.9 million)
• EBITDA rose to $152.4 million (1H FY25: $38.1 million)
• Closing cash and cash equivalents of $1,030.9 million
• Rare earth oxide (REO) production increased to 6,375 tonnes
• Successful $932 million equity raising to support growth

What else do investors need to know?

Lynas completed commissioning of the Mt Weld expansion, while the first half of heavy rare earths production at Lynas Malaysia was delivered. The company began shipping separated heavy rare earths to customers, signing initial contracts with pricing reflecting the strategic value of these materials.

Lynas also announced an expanded heavy rare earth separation facility at its Malaysian site to meet rising customer demand. An MoU was signed with a permanent magnet manufacturer to strengthen the supply chain outside China, and further upstream resource development continued via partnerships in Malaysia. The balance sheet was bolstered by a large equity raise supporting the new Towards 2030 growth strategy.

What did Lynas Rare Earths management say?

CEO & Managing Director Amanda Lacaze said:

The December half of FY2026 was an exciting one for Lynas. We completed commissioning for the Mt Weld expansion project, delivered the first half year of Heavy Rare Earth production at Lynas Malaysia, launched the Towards 2030 growth strategy and successfully completed an equity raising to support our growth agenda.

All of this occurred in a global context where the focus on rare earth supply chain security is reshaping the market through government actions to address market dysfunction and supply challenges. With the completion of the Lynas 2025 capital investment program during the half year, Lynas is the only company able to capture the full value of this market upside. This is due to our position as the only commercial producer of separated Light and Heavy Rare Earth oxides outside China today.

“Alongside market movements, half year production volume, sales volume, revenue and average selling price all increased from the prior corresponding period, contributing to a Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of $80.2m.

What’s next for Lynas Rare Earths?

Looking ahead, Lynas is focused on delivering its Towards 2030 strategy, which aims to optimise the performance from recent capital investments and expand further into heavy rare earths production. Management believes the recently completed projects position the company to benefit from rising demand and stronger pricing.

Lynas’ expanded facilities and strategic partnerships should help it meet customer needs and take advantage of market opportunities as global supply chains look for reliable sources outside China.

Lynas Rare Earths share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Lynas Rare Earths shares have risen 149%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post Lynas Rare Earths earnings: Profit jumps as growth strategy kicks off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Worley posts HY26 results
• Neuren Pharmaceuticals shares paused ahead of company announcement
• Ramsay Health Care posts 1H FY26 earnings; lifts dividend
• DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts
• Atlas Arteria results: 2025 toll revenue climbs, 40c distribution on track

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 recommended Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. 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 DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) share price is in focus after announcing a package of six contracts totalling $21.7 million with a western military end-customer. The contracts cover dismounted counter-drone systems, spares, and software, with delivery slated for the first quarter of 2026.

What did DroneShield report?

• Secured six standalone contracts, valued at $21.7 million, via an in-country reseller
• Deals cover supply of counter-drone systems, spare kits, and software subscriptions
• All items are available from existing stock and expected to be delivered in Q1 2026
• Payment anticipated in the second quarter of 2026
• No additional material conditions required for fulfilment
• Previously received $17.8 million in contracts from this reseller over the past seven years

What else do investors need to know?

The counterparty is a subsidiary of a large, global, publicly listed company, acting as an intermediary for distribution to the western military end-user. DroneShield notes there is no commitment for further orders from either the reseller or the end-customer at this stage.

Importantly, DroneShield confirms that the identity of the customer is not expected to have a material effect on the value of its securities. The announcement includes all the information relevant for investors to assess the contract’s impact on the company’s outlook.

What’s next for DroneShield?

DroneShield expects to complete delivery on these contracts by the end of Q1 2026, with payments to follow in Q2 2026. The company remains focused on supplying innovative counter-drone solutions to defence and government clients worldwide.

This win strengthens DroneShield’s track record with major international partners and underscores its position in the growing counter-drone technology sector.

DroneShield share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, DroneShield shares have risen 299%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Atlas Arteria results: 2025 toll revenue climbs, 40c distribution on track
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• Vault Minerals posts half-year earnings; declares maiden dividend

Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. 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 Atlas Arteria Group (ASX: ALX) share price is in focus today after the company unveiled its 2025 full‑year results, which saw a 9.4% lift in proportional toll revenue and a reaffirmed distribution guidance.

What did Atlas Arteria report?

• Proportional toll revenue grew 9.4% to $2,012.3 million
• Proportional EBITDA increased 9.3% to $1,509.9 million, with a 75.0% margin
• Statutory net profit after tax was $181.8 million, impacted by the Temporary Supplemental Tax
• Operating free cash flow per security came in at 34.9 cents
• Distribution paid and guidance for 2025 are both 40.0 cents per security

What else do investors need to know?

Atlas Arteria implemented a new leadership structure during 2025, sharpening its focus on strategic priorities. The company refreshed its executive team, appointing new CEOs at Dulles Greenway and Chicago Skyway to drive results and strategic execution.

Operationally, traffic performance was steady across the portfolio, with Dulles Greenway seeing an 8.2% increase in volume as drivers avoided congestion on alternate routes. The company also submitted a new rate case application for Dulles Greenway in December and continues to pursue growth projects in France, particularly with the A412 motorway.

What did Atlas Arteria management say?

CEO Hugh Wehby said:

2025 was another positive year for Atlas Arteria. We delivered strong revenue growth and steady traffic performance. We continued to build and optimise our businesses to improve safety and customer experience. This performance supports a 40 cps distribution for our investors for 2025, in line with guidance.

What’s next for Atlas Arteria?

Looking ahead, Atlas Arteria reaffirmed its distribution guidance of 40.0 cents per security for both 2025 and 2026, with plans to maintain or exceed this level subject to ongoing business performance. The company highlighted continued growth in free cash flow and an FX hedging program to help support distributions.

Atlas Arteria remains committed to building a resilient, long-term portfolio. Its strategy focuses on optimising current operations, seeking value-accretive growth opportunities, and preparing for French concession retenders in the coming decade.

Atlas Arteria share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Atlas Arteria shares have declined 5%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post Atlas Arteria results: 2025 toll revenue climbs, 40c distribution on track appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Vault Minerals posts half-year earnings; declares maiden dividend

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.

There are plenty of emerging sectors that investors can now gain access to through focussed ASX ETFs. 

Traditionally, ETFs were seen as a way to track broad markets or indexes. These were often indexes like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) or S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX). 

Funds that track these indexes are still great cornerstones of many portfolios. However targeting emerging sectors as well can help capture future growth. 

These are often referred to as thematic ASX ETFs. 

New insights from Global X have highlighted two such sectors that could be set for growth. 

Indian market lag creates opportunity 

A new report from Global X has reinforced the opportunity for Indian equities. 

However it is important to point out it has had a rough start to 2026. 

According to the report, the Indian share market started 2026 with its worst relative performance versus emerging markets in over 30 years.

However, there are three key tailwinds set to kick in that could help future growth. 

Firstly, the ETF provider pointed towards policy stability. 

Global X said India’s government is reducing its fiscal deficit while maintaining significant capital expenditure. This is evident across transport, energy, and defence. 

Continued investment in infrastructure supports long term productivity, while incentives for electronics, semiconductors, and clean energy help shore up domestic manufacturing and supply-chain resilience.

Secondly, trade clarity with the US is improving. 

The long anticipated US – India trade deal removed a major overhang for markets, easing tariff uncertainty and improving sentiment among foreign investors. 

Finally, AI infrastructure is emerging as a growth engine. 

Global X said major global tech companies (including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta and others) have announced large-scale commitments to AI, cloud, and data-centre buildouts across the country. 

With hyperscaler spending accelerating, India is aiming to transition from an outsourcing destination to a foundational AI infrastructure hub.

ASX ETFs to consider if you are looking for exposure to Indian equities include: 

• The Global X India Nifty 50 ETF (ASX:NDIA)
• Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

AI infrastructure buildout 

Another global sector set for future growth is AI and semiconductors. 

Of course, the growth of artificial intelligence is not a new idea. 

However, Global X has outlined the case that the semiconductors sector is moving through an important transition from cyclical to structural. 

What this means is the first phase of the AI trade was driven by demand for compute, concentrating gains in a small group of AI chip designers and hyperscalers as training and inference scaled rapidly. 

Now, as AI systems grow, tightening memory supply, surging storage needs, and rising data centre power demands are revealing infrastructure constraints. This is shifting the story from pure compute to a broader build-out across semiconductors and physical assets.

The AI build-out is now spreading across two distinct layers. The first is the digital layer, which sits within the semiconductor ecosystem and includes memory, foundries, chip designers, equipment, and advanced packaging.

The second is the physical layer, which allows that compute to operate at scale. This includes electricity generation, grid upgrades, data centres, cooling systems, and the broader industrial capacity required to support them. As AI workloads grow, this layer becomes just as critical as the chips themselves.

To target semiconductors directly, an ASX ETF to consider is the Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI). 

For investors looking to target the physical layer of the AI buildout, a fund to consider is the Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF). 

The post Niche ASX ETFs headed for massive growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Do you have space in your portfolio for ASX dividend shares? The Australian share market offers plenty of options to consider.

Here are two high-quality ASX stocks, Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) and Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP), that lead their respective sectors and could strengthen your income strategy.

Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)

This isn’t the flashy ASX growth darling grabbing headlines. Sonic Healthcare is the steady compounder. The ASX dividend share that just keeps turning the crank.

It’s defensive by design. Recession or boom, patients still need blood tests, biopsies and scans. Diagnostic demand is essential, recurring, and far less exposed to consumer sentiment than most industries.

Sonic’s pathology and imaging network spans Australia, Europe, the US and the UK. That global footprint gives it multiple earnings engines and built-in diversification if one region slows. Few ASX healthcare names match that spread.

The structural tailwinds are clear. Ageing populations and the shift toward preventative medicine mean more testing over time, not less. Rising volumes drive reliable cash flow, while disciplined bolt-on acquisitions have expanded scale without wrecking margins.

And then there’s the income stream.

With a market cap around $10 billion, Sonic pays dividends twice a year and has built a long track record of maintaining – and gradually growing – payouts.

Bell Potter forecasts partially franked dividends of 109 cents per share in FY26 and 111 cents in FY27. At a recent share price of $23.14, that equates to yields of roughly 4.7% and 4.8%.

Brokers see upside, too. The consensus 12-month price target sits near $25.59, implying 10.6% potential gains. Bell Potter is more bullish, with a buy rating and a $28.50 target — suggesting upside closer to 23%.

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

Cedar Woods is a focused residential developer with one big advantage: control. The ASX dividend share owns a sizeable land bank across key growth corridors, giving it the flexibility to release stock when market conditions suit.

That discipline has helped it generate steady cash flow, fund dividends, and avoid the excessive leverage that trips up many property peers.

The strength here is simplicity. The ASX real estate stock sticks to what it knows: master-planned communities and well-located residential projects. And it executes with a conservative balance sheet. In a housing market undersupplied for years, that’s a powerful position.

But let’s be clear: this is still a cyclical business. Earnings can be lumpy, settlements can shift between periods, and higher interest rates or softer buyer sentiment can quickly slow sales. Construction costs also remain a risk if margins tighten.

The outlook? Australia’s housing shortage hasn’t disappeared. Population growth and limited supply should support medium-term demand. If buyer confidence improves and rates stabilise,

Cedar Woods is well placed to convert its pipeline into rising earnings and dividends. The ASX dividend share just declared a fully franked interim dividend of 14 cents per share, up 40% on last year’s interim dividend of 10 cents per share.

Bell Potter believes the ASX dividend share is well-positioned to benefit from Australia’s chronic housing shortage.

The broker expects this to support dividends per share of 35 cents in FY 2026 and then 39 cents in FY 2027. Based on its current share price of $8.60, this equates to 4.1% and 4.5% dividend yields.

The post Chasing income? These top ASX dividend shares could deliver appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Morgans says these buy-rated ASX dividend stocks offer yields up to 10%
• Is this ASX 200 healthcare share a great buy after reporting?

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare. 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 today after the company reported 1H26 revenue of $5.5 billion (up 14.9%) and normalised NPAT of $392 million (up 19.2%).

What did Sigma Healthcare report?

• Revenue increased 14.9% to $5.5 billion year-on-year
• Normalised EBIT rose 18.7% to $582.9 million
• Normalised net profit after tax (NPAT) up 19.2% to $392.0 million
• Australian Chemist Warehouse (CW) branded store sales up 17.2%, with like-for-like sales up 15.0%
• International retail network sales jumped 24.5% to over $807 million
• Net debt reduced by $117.1 million to $635.1 million (0.6x normalised EBITDA)
• Interim fully franked dividend of 2.0 cents per share declared, nearly 60% payout ratio

What else do investors need to know?

Sigma continued the expansion of its Chemist Warehouse branded network, adding 13 new Australian stores and growing to 550 stores nationwide. Internationally, the network also expanded, including the addition of new outlets in New Zealand and Ireland.

Integration and transformation programs remain on track, with $13 million of early synergies delivered during the half. Operating cash flow reached $317.4 million, and the company’s balance sheet remains conservatively leveraged, supporting future growth plans.

Sigma has also made progress reinvigorating the Amcal and Discount Drug Stores brands, converting MyChemist franchise stores and enhancing its owned and exclusive product lines.

What did Sigma Healthcare management say?

CEO and Managing Director Vikesh Ramsunder said:

Our first half performance reinforces the strength of Sigma. As an integrated healthcare business we see long-term opportunities for growth, headlined by sustained performance across our core domestic market, led by CW branded stores.

What’s next for Sigma Healthcare?

Sigma says momentum has continued into the early part of the second half of FY26, with Chemist Warehouse branded store sales in Australia up 16.6% and like-for-like sales up 14.4% year to date. The company expects benefits from its integration program to ramp up, with a $100 million annual synergy target set for FY29.

Management remains focused on expanding its retail footprint internationally, growing its portfolio of owned brands, and improving supply chain efficiency. Sigma believes its strong balance sheet and disciplined approach will help drive ongoing growth and shareholder value.

Sigma Healthcare share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Sigma Healthcare shares have remained flat, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post Sigma Healthcare shares: 1H26 profit and sales leap appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Westgold Resources posts record profit and revenue for H1 FY26
• Vault Minerals posts half-year earnings; declares maiden dividend

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 Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) share price is in focus today as the company reported a $1,456 million underlying profit before tax for the first half of FY26, with revenue rising to $12.9 billion. The airline also boosted its fully franked interim dividend and announced plans for further shareholder returns, reflecting continued strong performance across its portfolio.

What did Qantas Airways report?

• Revenue of $12.9 billion, up 6% from 1H25
• Underlying Profit Before Tax of $1,456 million, up $71 million
• Statutory Profit After Tax of $925 million
• Underlying earnings per share of 68 cents
• Net Debt of $5.6 billion, in line with target range
• Interim fully franked dividend of 19.8 cents per share, plus up to $150 million share buy-back announced

What else do investors need to know?

Qantas reported growth across its domestic, international, and loyalty divisions. Domestic operations delivered a margin of 18%, while Qantas Loyalty membership and points activity both set new records. The company distributed $400 million to shareholders during the half and will increase its interim payout to $450 million, including an on-market share buy-back.

Fleet renewal and customer investment continued at pace, with delivery of nine new aircraft—supporting network flexibility, sustainability, and a lift in customer satisfaction scores. Qantas also expanded its frontline workforce and further invested in digital and sustainability initiatives, including carbon reduction programs and upgrades to the digital customer experience.

What’s next for Qantas Airways?

The company is targeting further growth supported by strong travel demand and continued transformation benefits, aiming for a $400 million savings target in FY26. Qantas expects Group Domestic revenue per seat (RASK) to increase about 3% in 2H26, with additional international capacity coming online.

Looking further ahead, capital expenditure is planned to rise, supporting new technology aircraft deliveries and the long-haul “Project Sunrise” initiative. Qantas Loyalty is set to grow EBIT by 10–12% this year. Management says net debt will remain within the targeted range and sustainable, fully franked dividends are a focus.

Qantas Airways share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Qantas shares have risen 20%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Qantas earnings: Profit up, higher dividends, and bigger fleet for FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts
• Atlas Arteria results: 2025 toll revenue climbs, 40c distribution on track
• Sigma Healthcare shares: 1H26 profit and sales leap
• Westgold Resources posts record profit and revenue for H1 FY26
• Vault Minerals posts half-year earnings; declares maiden dividend

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 Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX) share price is in focus today after the ASX 200 gold miner reported a record half-year profit of $190.7 million and nearly doubled its revenue to $1.24 billion for the six months ended 31 December 2025.

What did Westgold Resources report?

• Revenue surged 98% to $1,237.6 million (H1 FY25: $624 million)
• Net profit after tax was $190.7 million (H1 FY25: $27.6 million loss)
• EBITDA reached $435.5 million
• Unfranked dividend of 3 cents per share paid during the period
• Gold production rose 23% to 195,355 ounces
• Operating cash flow increased to $531.7 million

What else do investors need to know?

Westgold Resources became debt free after repaying its outstanding $50 million facility, finishing the period with $520.6 million in cash and cash equivalents—a 117% lift from June 2025. The bumper results were driven by a sharp increase in the gold price achieved ($5,877/oz vs $3,910/oz a year ago) and higher gold sales volumes.

During the half, Westgold completed the divestment of its Mt Henry–Selene Gold Project to Alicanto Minerals, booking a one-off, non-cash loss of $177.9 million but gaining a 19.9% strategic stake in Alicanto and further cash proceeds. The company also progressed a proposed demerger of its non-core Reedy’s and Comet assets via the planned spin-out of Valiant Gold Limited.

What’s next for Westgold Resources?

Westgold has reiterated its FY26 production guidance of 345,000 to 385,000 ounces of gold, supported by investments in mine development and a healthy resource base. Following the sale of non-core assets and the planned Valiant Gold demerger, the company will sharpen its focus on its major mining hubs in the Murchison and Southern Goldfields regions, aiming to sustain safe, profitable growth while advancing its refreshed ESG strategy.

Westgold Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Westgold Resources shares have risen 221%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has 11% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Westgold Resources posts record profit and revenue for H1 FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• DroneShield wins $21.7m in western military contracts
• Atlas Arteria results: 2025 toll revenue climbs, 40c distribution on track
• Sigma Healthcare shares: 1H26 profit and sales leap
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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Vault Minerals Ltd (ASX: VAU) share price is in focus today after the company unveiled a strong set of half-year results, highlighted by a robust 44% lift in group EBITDA to $384.5 million and the declaration of a maiden 7 cents per share dividend.

What did Vault Minerals report?

• Group gold sales: 169,274 ounces for revenue of $817.3 million, up 20% on the previous corresponding period (pcp)
• Group EBITDA: $384.5 million, up 44% on pcp, with a margin of 47%
• Underlying net profit before tax: $211.7 million, up 93% on pcp
• Statutory net loss after tax: $35.2 million, reflecting the accounting treatment of early hedge settlements
• Cash and bullion at period end: $537.3 million, with no debt
• Maiden interim dividend: 7 cents per share (unfranked), plus ongoing share buy-back

What else do investors need to know?

Vault’s early settlement of H2 FY26 gold hedges for $172.7 million means it is now almost entirely unhedged, with only 10,233 ounces remaining for delivery in early FY27. This provides full exposure to current high gold prices, positioning Vault for increased free cash flow in the coming half. Capital investment continued across its portfolio, including processing plant upgrades at King of the Hills (KoTH) and the Deflector mine transition, aiming for a step-change in production capacity.

The company also maintained a robust balance sheet with $537.3 million in cash and bullion and no debt. Its ongoing share buy-back program reflects a continued focus on shareholder returns, alongside the inaugural dividend.

What did Vault Minerals management say?

Managing Director Luke Tonkin said:

Our solid operating cash flow and disciplined investment have brought Vault to an inflection point earlier than expected, enabling us to reward shareholders with a maiden dividend.

What’s next for Vault Minerals?

Vault’s guidance for FY26 remains at 332,000 to 360,000 ounces of gold production, with portfolio upgrades aiming to drive a 34% lift in Leonora gold output by the end of FY27. Upcoming completion of the KoTH processing facility upgrades is set to deliver increased throughput and operational flexibility.

Management anticipates the company will enter a cash tax-paying position in FY27, paving the way for future franked dividends. Ongoing capital investments and aggressive exploration are intended to support further growth and mine life extension, helping Vault maintain its position as one of the highest-yielding ASX gold companies.

Vault Minerals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Vault Minerals shares have risen 126%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 11% over the same period.

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The post Vault Minerals posts half-year earnings; declares maiden dividend 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.