Tag: Stock pick

The Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) share price is in focus as the group reported half-year results to 28 February 2026 showing a 4% increase in revenue to $835 million, but a 20% drop in statutory net profit after tax to $136 million.

What did Bank of Queensland report?

• Revenue up 4% to $835 million
• Statutory NPAT down 20% to $136 million
• Cash earnings after tax down 4% to $176 million
• Interim fully franked dividend of 20 cents per share (flat on prior year)
• Net interest margin rose by 10 basis points to 1.67%
• Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio increased to 11.18%

What else do investors need to know?

BOQ’s business mix continued to shift towards commercial lending, which grew by 16% over the half, while housing loan balances contracted. Non-interest income rose 13%, mainly due to business lending fees and the benefits of the branch conversion program.

Operating expenses increased by 6%, reflecting higher costs from inflation, digital transformation, and investment in the business bank. However, the bank maintained provision coverage and asset quality, with arrears and impaired assets both decreasing since the last period.

What did Bank of Queensland management say?

Managing Director and CEO Rod Finch said:

The first half result demonstrates BOQ’s ongoing operational resilience and continued progress on our long-term strategy, including the successful transition to a digital platform and strengthened capital position.

What’s next for Bank of Queensland?

Looking ahead, BOQ expects to complete the sale of its equipment finance portfolio in the second half of FY26, freeing up capital and targeting a $300 million return to shareholders after completion. The group will continue to focus on commercial lending growth, digital banking expansion, and productivity initiatives, while keeping cost growth below inflation.

Management highlighted strong capital and liquidity positions and signalled home lending growth could return as digital mortgage channels mature in FY27. Digital transition and system migrations remain under way, with further progress expected over the coming year.

Bank of Queensland share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Bank of Queensland shares are flat, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Bank of Queensland half-year 2026: profit falls, dividend steady as revenue rises appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cochlear cuts FY26 earnings outlook amid softer sales
• South32 lifts net cash and sets Brazil Alumina output record in March quarter
• Mercury NZ upgrades FY2026 EBITDAF guidance
• EBOS Group trims FY26 earnings guidance as fuel costs bite
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.

One theme that has experienced ebbs and flows over the years is electric vehicle investing. 

Investing in electric vehicle (EV) related shares on the ASX began gaining traction in the late 2010s. This was driven largely by global momentum from companies like Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA). It was also influenced by increasing demand for battery minerals such as lithium. 

By the early 2020s, ASX investors were heavily backing lithium producers and battery supply chain companies. This turned EV exposure into a prominent growth theme.

Recent oil price surges have once again reignited debate over the growth potential of lithium producers and EV companies. 

A new report from Global X suggests the moment has arrived for the electric economy – spanning electric vehicles (EVs), lithium, clean energy, and energy storage systems (ESS).

EVs and battery technology appear to have finally crossed the threshold of no return, with the next phase of growth set to unfold at a materially faster pace than in recent years.

The perfect storm

According to Global X, the arrival of an energy crisis in the form of the Iran War may prove to be the catalyst that re-ignites the fire under EV adoption.

The report said that cost parity has been the key inflection point for EV adoption. 

The logic is straightforward: as EVs become just as cheap to buy and own as petrol vehicles, their superior technology and day-to-day performance should be enough to drive widespread switching.

However, we believe this is most likely not sufficient. What this framework overlooks is the stickiness of ingrained consumer behaviour, including a natural scepticism toward new technologies. For example, according to our analysis, the average all-in cost of an EV in 2025 was already approximately $875 cheaper than that of a comparable petrol vehicle over a typical 10-year ownership period.

Global X said that as of April 2026, the first signs of the EV re-acceleration are already appearing in sales figures and export numbers. 

Australia saw EVs take its highest share of sales ever in March, and in a more global metric, Chinese EV exports for March jumped more than 170% year-over-year.

EV adoption accelerating

Global X argues that the world is moving along a path of deglobalisation. 

As a result, commodities, including energy, are becoming more politicised and increasingly vulnerable to disruption. 

The Iran War has merely exposed these vulnerabilities and may act as a catalyst for countries to address and better manage risks in the future.

For most nation states without reliable domestic access to energy resources, the rational response is to accelerate investment in renewable infrastructure such as wind and solar. Central to this buildout are Energy Storage Systems (ESS), which not only store excess generation but also smooth out the inherent intermittency of renewable supply.

Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)

These catalysts are contributing to the outperformance of the Global X Battery Tech and Lithium ETF. 

In 2026 alone, the fund has rocketed nearly 20% higher. 

Over the last 12 months, it is up 120%. 

The fund offers investors exposure to global companies developing electro-chemical storage technology and mining companies producing battery-grade lithium.

Global X believes this alignment of consumer economics and national strategy is defining a new day for EV investment. While the pace of change may not be linear, the direction of travel appears increasingly set.

The electric economy is no longer reliant on favourable conditions to grow. It is being pulled forward by necessity.

The post Global X says it’s time to target this electric vehicle ASX ETF that has doubled in a year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why ASX investors dumped IVV ETF last month

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 positions in and has recommended Tesla. 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 South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price is in focus after the company delivered a solid March 2026 quarter, with net cash up by US$121 million and record production at Brazil Alumina.

What did South32 report?

• Group net cash rose by US$121 million to US$96 million for the March 2026 quarter
• Brazil Alumina achieved record year-to-date production, up 5% to 1,060kt
• Sierra Gorda delivered a record quarterly distribution of US$135 million (South32 share)
• Australia Manganese production guidance revised down by 6% due to weather impacts
• US$158 million invested in Hermosa development during the quarter
• Fully-franked interim dividend of US$175 million paid after the quarter-end

What else do investors need to know?

South32 reported a tragic fatality at Worsley Alumina in March, leading to some temporary suspension of non-critical work and an ongoing safety review. The team also responded to external challenges such as wet weather events and increased global freight costs from geopolitical tensions.

Despite headwinds, the company maintained production guidance across most operations, with only Australia Manganese seeing guidance cut due to site water issues following heavy rains and cyclones. The company continues to monitor supply chains closely but reports no current diesel shortages.

South32 invested US$239 million in group capital expenditure (excluding Hermosa and joint ventures) in the first nine months of FY26. The company executed a US$35 million on-market share buyback and has extended its capital management program, with US$209 million yet to be returned to shareholders.

What’s next for South32?

Looking ahead, South32 expects to complete its review of project milestones and capital expenditure for the Hermosa Taylor project in the June 2026 half year, as more infrastructure contracts are awarded. The company remains focused on managing water at Australia Manganese and drawing down inventory at Mozal Aluminium and Cannington as rail access improves.

Management reaffirms their strategy to invest in high-quality growth, particularly in copper, zinc and silver, while maintaining a strong balance sheet to support returns and weather market volatility.

South32 share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, South32 shares have risen 69%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post South32 lifts net cash and sets Brazil Alumina output record in March quarter appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cochlear cuts FY26 earnings outlook amid softer sales
• Bank of Queensland half-year 2026: profit falls, dividend steady as revenue rises
• Mercury NZ upgrades FY2026 EBITDAF guidance
• EBOS Group trims FY26 earnings guidance as fuel costs bite
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.

Finding ASX shares that can genuinely scale over time is not always easy.

A lot of companies talk about big opportunities, but only a handful actually build the foundations needed to turn that potential into long-term growth. 

I think the most compelling opportunities tend to have strong platforms, expanding markets, and clear ways to grow beyond where they are today.

Here are three ASX shares I think fit that description right now:

SiteMinder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

SiteMinder has built a global platform that sits at the centre of hotel bookings and distribution.

What I like about this business is that it is not just growing by adding more customers. It is also increasing how much revenue it earns from each customer through additional products and services.

As the travel industry becomes more complex, hotels need better tools to manage pricing, distribution, and demand across multiple channels. SiteMinder is positioning itself as that core infrastructure layer.

I think the long-term opportunity here comes from deeper monetisation. If the company continues to expand its product suite and increase adoption across its customer base, revenue can grow even without a dramatic increase in customer numbers.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport is building a global network platform that connects businesses to cloud providers, data centres, and increasingly, compute services.

The key attraction for me is how this business is evolving alongside major technology trends. As cloud usage grows and artificial intelligence (AI) drives greater demand for data and processing, the need for fast, flexible connectivity is only increasing.

Megaport’s platform enables customers to scale their network connections on demand, making it a valuable piece of infrastructure in a more digital, data-heavy world.

I also think the company’s expansion into compute services adds another layer to the story. It opens up a larger addressable market and gives Megaport more ways to grow over time.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

Telix offers something different to the typical technology-focused ASX growth share.

The company operates in radiopharmaceuticals, developing imaging and therapeutic products for cancer. It already has a commercial product in market, which helps support ongoing growth and investment into its pipeline.

What stands out to me is the potential for multiple products to drive future revenue. If the company continues to successfully develop and commercialise new treatments, it could build a broader portfolio over time.

This is not without risk, as healthcare companies depend on clinical success and regulatory approvals. But the upside can be significant when things go right.

Foolish Takeaway

All three of these ASX shares are growing in different ways, but they share one important characteristic.

They are building platforms that can expand over time. SiteMinder is deepening its role in hotel commerce, Megaport is connecting the infrastructure behind the digital economy, and Telix is working towards a broader portfolio of healthcare products.

That combination of scale, opportunity, and optionality is what makes them exciting to me.

The post 3 exciting ASX shares you won’t want to miss out on appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• 3 ASX 200 shares tipped to rise 20% or more
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• ASX 200 tech shares rocket 13% as long-awaited sector rebound accelerates
• The tech rally is back: here are 5 ASX shares leading the charge

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport, SiteMinder, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended SiteMinder. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Mercury NZ Ltd (ASX: MCY) share price is in focus after the company upgraded its FY2026 EBITDAF guidance to $1.05 billion, up from the previous $1.0 billion forecast. This reflects strengthened portfolio management and increased renewable generation expectations.

What did Mercury NZ report?

• FY2026 EBITDAF guidance lifted to $1.05 billion (previous: $1.0 billion)
• Upgrade driven by disciplined portfolio management
• Higher forecast renewable generation from hydro and new assets
• Electricity generation 100% from renewable sources

What else do investors need to know?

Mercury’s upgraded guidance is based on current portfolio settings and positive outlooks for hydro generation and new renewable assets. However, the company has flagged that forecasts may still change if there are significant events, one-off costs, or shifts in hydrological conditions.

Mercury continues to benefit from its diversified generation mix across hydro, geothermal and wind, and its multi-service retail operations in New Zealand. The New Zealand Government retains a legislated 51% stake in the company.

What’s next for Mercury NZ?

Mercury’s future performance will depend on hydrological conditions and the integration of new renewable assets. The company remains focused on disciplined portfolio management and delivering value to shareholders while maintaining its 100% renewable generation strategy.

Investors should keep an eye on how changing weather patterns and market conditions could impact future earnings guidance.

Mercury NZ share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Mercury shares have risen 1%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post Mercury NZ upgrades FY2026 EBITDAF guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cochlear cuts FY26 earnings outlook amid softer sales
• Bank of Queensland half-year 2026: profit falls, dividend steady as revenue rises
• South32 lifts net cash and sets Brazil Alumina output record in March quarter
• EBOS Group trims FY26 earnings guidance as fuel costs bite
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) shares have come roaring back since hitting a multi-year closing low of $70.42 on 13 April.

On Tuesday, shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) business and accounting software provider closed up 1%, changing hands for $83.00 each. That sees the share price up 18% in just seven trading days.

Still, Xero shares have a long way to go before matching or exceeding the all time closing high of $194.21, notched on 24 June.

As you may know, Xero, like many tech stocks, came under heavy pressure amid investor concerns that artificial intelligence, or AI, could take a big bite out of software as a service (SaaS) providers’ business models.

You may have heard this referred to as the SaaSpocalypse.

But when it comes to Xero, Bell Potter Securities’ Christopher Watt believes these concerns “are overblown” (courtesy of The Bull).

Here’s why Watt expects the ASX 200 tech stock is well-positioned to outperform.

Should you buy Xero shares today?

“This accounting software provider remains a high-quality business, underpinned by strong subscriber growth and increasing average revenue per user through product expansion,” Watt said, citing the first reason he has a buy rating on Xero shares.

“Xero continues to improve operating leverage as the business scales up globally, with margins expected to expand in response to cost discipline,” he said, summing up the second reason.

Then there’s the company’s strong earnings growth outlook.

According to Watt:

Importantly, Xero is transitioning from a growth-at-all-costs model to one focused on profitability and cash generation, which should support a re-rating in valuation. With a large addressable small-to-medium sized market and increasing penetration of digital accounting, Xero is well positioned to deliver sustained double-digit earnings growth.

Near term catalysts include further margin upgrades and continued execution across key regions.

And the fourth reason Watt is bullish on this ASX 200 tech stock is the big, potentially unwarranted, selldown in recent months amid investor fears over the rise of AI.

“We believe concerns related to the impact of artificial intelligence are overblown, and the share price sell-off presents a compelling buying opportunity,” he concluded.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 tech stock?

The last announcement deemed price sensitive to Xero shares was a company market update, released on 3 February.

Among the highlights, the ASX 200 tech stock reported that more than two million Xero subscribers were now benefitting from AI features, with 300,000 using new GenAI tools.

Around the world, Xero said that more than four million customers were using its platform.

The post 4 reasons to buy Xero shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Buy, hold, sell: Xero, Woolworths, CBA shares
• Want to double your money in 2026? This is what I’d buy

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

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares closed at 8,949.4 points on Tuesday, down 0.04%.

The world is waiting for a second round of negotiations between the US and Iran to start as the global energy shock continues.

It was initially reported that Iran had refused to participate in further discussions unless the US withdrew its blockade of Iranian ports.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is not inclined to extend the ceasefire if an agreement is not reached this week.

The US has reportedly seized an Iranian vessel trying to run the blockade, while Iran has fired at ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The war is causing large daily market fluctuations depending on what the President says and what occurs at sea each day.

In a newsletter, Tim Riordan and Michael Teran from Blackwattle said the market “showed a decisive defensive rotation” last month.

Energy (+19%) was the standout sector, the only one to post a gain, as Brent crude spiked 43% on supply disruption fears.

Defensives also held up well, with Utilities (+5%), Insurance (+4%) and Staples (+2%) outperforming.

The ASX 200 was sold off in early March. The market began rebounding later in the month, but has yet to fully recover.

Meanwhile, the US S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) and Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) have both recovered to new record highs.

Riordan and Teran, who run Blackwattle’s Mid Cap Quality Fund, said:

Despite the volatility, equity sentiment remains well short of outright fear, with the market expecting the energy disruption to be short lived.

Amid all this noise, Riordan and Teran have highlighted an ASX 200 energy share that they think has “material long-term upside” ahead.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven Coal share price rocketed 18% in March, but has fallen 14.4% in April, as energy prices continue to fluctuate.

Blocked shipments of gas in the Strait of Hormuz have pushed many power plants to switch to thermal coal.

Riordan and Teran commented:

Thermal coal rose 23% in March as buyers sought alternative energy sources, with coal a key beneficiary of the supply disruption to global LNG markets.

The analysts said Whitehaven is one of the ASX 200’s largest and highest quality coal producers.

We continue to see material long-term upside for WHC as an ‘improving / enduring quality’ business and view WHC as one of the highest quality mining companies on the ASX, with strong financials and a management team with an excellent track record of capital deployment.

While coal prices have been volatile in recent months, the longer-term supply and demand dynamics remain favourable, and WHC
continues to generate strong free cash flow whilst maintaining a net cash balance sheet.

We back WHC to execute on numerous multi-year internal levers to maintain and improve the business quality beyond commodity prices, including cost reduction and production improvement in their metallurgical coal mines, paydown of the deferred BHP acquisition payments, Vickery expansion and sell down, Daunia/Winchester South expansion and sell down, and further disciplined capital management.

ASX 200 energy share price snapshot

Whitehaven shares have risen 66% over the past 12 months compared to a 53% ascension for the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ).

The post ASX 200 energy share with ‘material long-term upside’ ahead: fundie appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Whitehaven shares are up 80% in a year. Here’s why investors still see upside
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• Why Beetaloo, Fortescue, Orora, and Whitehaven Coal shares are dropping today

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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.

Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) shares were out of form on Tuesday.

Following the release of a softer than expected quarterly update, the ASX 200 share tumbled over 8% to finish the day at $87.50.

While this is disappointing, the team at Bell Potter thinks it could have created a buying opportunity.

What is the broker saying about this ASX 200 share?

While the market was disappointed with the update, Bell Potter saw enough in it to remain positive. It said:

HUB has delivered a mildly positive trading update. While the key number was slightly below consensus, the quantum of net inflows remain on an upwards trajectory, above our expectations. To that end the story looks changed, with the run-rate exiting flatter after showing strong growth in the first six weeks of trade.

A singular institutional client outflow, combined with peak pessimism in March, weighed on the cadence. We draw parallels to similar periods of poor sentiment as the key reason. HUB issued positive language for momentum and highlighted the strong growth in retail net inflows. These aspects are unchanged and the install base on R12M is in a familiar strong position.

In response to the update, the broker has trimmed its earnings estimates. But that doesn’t change much in the grand scheme of things, with earnings per share still expected to grow 33% in FY 2026, 21% in FY 2027, and then 17% in FY 2028. Commenting on its revisions, Bell Potter said:

Following the update we have downgraded our EPS estimates -1%/-2%/-2% with the miss dampened from mark-to-market impacts. FY27 Platform FUA guidance of $160-170bn remains in play, with revised forecasts landing on the lower end of that range. A pickup in sentiment would likely push outcomes the other way. Acquisition of the superannuation fund trustee is also expected to have a limited influence on EBITDA line. For these reasons, we expect the multiple gap to peers can close over time.

Should you invest?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating on Hub24’s shares with a reduced price target of $110.00 (from $120.00).

Based on its current share price, this implies potential upside of over 25% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its recommendation, the broker said:

Our Buy rating is unchanged. Enhancements launched during the quarter target new business transitions and the overlooked HNW segment while reducing advice friction.

The post Leading broker says this top ASX 200 share is a buy with 25%+ upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Why ANZ, Challenger, Hub24, and Lynas shares are dropping today
• Why is this ASX 200 tech stock tumbling today?
• HUB24 grows Q3 inflows and funds under administration
• I think these are some of the best ASX 200 shares to buy now

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Hub24. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The EBOS Group Ltd (ASX: EBO) share price is in focus today after the company trimmed its FY26 underlying EBITDA guidance to $610–$620 million, down from a previous range of $615–$635 million, due to higher fuel and energy costs.

What did EBOS Group report?

• FY26 underlying EBITDA now expected at $610–$620 million (prior guidance was $615–$635 million)
• Additional $5–$10 million in fuel-related costs to be absorbed this financial year
• Underlying demand across the Group remains stable
• Challenges stem from elevated fuel prices and increased logistics and consumable costs
• Impact limited to FY26, with mitigation efforts underway for FY27

What else do investors need to know?

EBOS Group has seen a significant rise in fuel prices and energy-related expenses, mainly affecting its logistics and distribution activities. These higher costs are a result of global supply disruptions and increased geopolitical risks.

The Group says it cannot immediately or fully pass on these cost increases to customers, partly due to government contracts and its vital role in the healthcare supply chain. Talks with the Australian Government about fuel cost recovery are ongoing, but outcomes or timing are still uncertain.

What’s next for EBOS Group?

EBOS Group is moving ahead with operational efficiency measures to help offset the impact of higher costs. Management anticipates these steps will begin to reduce the effect of elevated fuel and consumables prices in FY27.

The business remains committed to reliable healthcare delivery in Australia and New Zealand, focusing on service continuity while handling current cost pressures.

EBOS Group share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, EBOS Group shares have declined 48%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 15% over the same period.

View Original Announcement

The post EBOS Group trims FY26 earnings guidance as fuel costs bite appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Cochlear cuts FY26 earnings outlook amid softer sales
• Bank of Queensland half-year 2026: profit falls, dividend steady as revenue rises
• South32 lifts net cash and sets Brazil Alumina output record in March quarter
• Mercury NZ upgrades FY2026 EBITDAF guidance
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

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.

One of the best ways to use ASX shares, in my view, is to build a second income thanks to the generosity of ASX companies that want to send dividends to shareholders and unlock the bonus of franking credits.

If I were investing for a second income, I’d want to choose ASX shares that seem as dependable as job earnings and also regularly increase their payouts.

I’d like to highlight two ASX shares that I think are great options for a second income (or retirement income).

WCM Global Growth Ltd (ASX: WQG)

This is a listed investment company (LIC) – the job of a LIC is to invest in other shares on behalf of shareholders. The fund manager of this LIC is WCM, which is based in Laguna Beach, California.

One of the first advantages of this LIC is that it gives investors exposure to a portfolio of global shares, which is appealing to get exposure to different opportunities around the world, not just the typical ones on the ASX.

WCM wants to find great businesses with expanding economic moats (improving competitive advantages) and a company culture that fosters the expansion of those advantages.

When it comes generating a second income, the LIC has a great track record of delivering dividends and payout growth.

It has increased its annual dividend each year since 2019 and fairly recently changed to paying its dividend quarterly.

The business has guided that it’s going to increase its quarterly dividend each quarter between now and March 2027. The quarterly dividend that’s expected to be paid in March 2072 is 2.45 cents per share, which translates into a grossed-up dividend yield of close to 8%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

As a bonus, it’s likely trading at a discount to its net tangible assets (NTA) – that’s the underlying value of each share.

Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL)

The other ASX share I want to highlight for unlocking a second income is Soul Patts, one of the oldest companies on the ASX.

It was listed more than 120 years ago and it has paid a dividend every year in that time, including through wars, global pandemics and economic recessions.

The business is an investment conglomerate that started as a pharmacy business and now has a diversified portfolio across numerous areas.

Its investments include resources, telecommunications, energy, industrial property, swimming schools, agriculture, water entitlements, electrification, financial services, retail, healthcare, retirement living, credit and building products.

The company is a great option for a second income because of how consistently it increases its payout.

Soul Patts has increased its regular annual dividend per share every year since 1998, which is the longest growth streak on the ASX. I think the dividends are likely to continue growing because the business is committed to doing so, its dividend payout ratio is usually at a very healthy level each year and it’s regular investing in new opportunities.

Its latest two half-year dividends come to a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.5%, including franking credits, at the time of writing.

The post Want to build a second income? I’d buy these ASX shares today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited and Wcm Global Growth. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.