Tag: Stock pick

Shares of Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) are creating a buzz today.

In late morning trade on Thursday, two of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) heavyweights are racing ahead of the 0.4% gains posted by the benchmark index, while one has just tumbled deep into the red.

Here’s what’s piquing investor interest.

Zip shares rocket on record earnings

Zip shares are off to the races today, up 14% at $2.94 apiece.

This strong performance follows the release of the ASX 200 buy now, pay later (BNPL) stock’s full-year FY 2026 results.

Among the highlights, Zip grew its active customers by 3.7% year-on-year to 6.5 million. And the company’s total transaction volume (TTV) of $16.7 billion was up 27.2%.

This helped drive a 24.7% increase in revenue to $1.34 billion, with Zip’s operating margin improving by 4.2% from FY 2025 to 20%.

Also helping lift Zip shares today, the company achieved record cash earnings before taxes depreciation and amortisation (EBTDA) of $268.9 million, up 57.9% from last year.

And on the bottom line, Zip’s net profit after tax (NPAT) surged 45.7% to $116.4 million.

Looking ahead, the ASX 200 BNPL stock is targeting cash EBTDA growth of 26% to $340 million in FY 2027. Zip is aiming for an operating margin in the range of 20% to 22%.

Northern Star shares leap on record profits

Like Zip shares, Northern Star shares are charging higher today.

At the time of writing, shares in the ASX 200 gold stock are changing hands for $24.15 each, up 7.1%.

Northern Star also reported its FY 2026 results today. And investors are clearly impressed.

Highlights from the financial year just past included a 19% year-on-year increase in revenue to $7.6 billion. The revenue boost was supported by a 26% higher average realised gold price.

On the earnings front, Northern Star reported underlying EBITDA of $4.27 billion, up 22% from FY 2025.

And on the bottom line, the ASX 200 gold miner achieved a record NPAT of $1.7 billion, up 24% year on year.

For passive income investors, management declared a fully-franked final dividend of 30 cents per share, in line with last year’s final payout.

Which brings us to…

Megaport shares fall on $39 million net loss

Joining Northern Star and Zip shares in turning heads today, and releasing its FY 2026 results, we find Megaport.

Shares in the ASX 200 network services company kicked off the day in positive territory but have since tumbled into the red, down 4% at $19.52 apiece.

With Megaport shares having closed yesterday up some 79% in 2026, investor expectations are clearly high.

On the positive side of the ledger, Megaport achieved a 37% year-on-year increase in revenue to $312 million. And EBITDA increased by 24% from FY 2025 to $77 million.

But Megaport shares look to have come under pressure, with the ASX 200 tech stock reporting a statutory net loss of $39 million, which compares unfavourably to the net loss of $300,000 reported last year.

The post Why Megaport, Northern Star and Zip shares are turning heads on Thursday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Buy, sell, hold: Dexus, APA, Zip shares
• Here’s what brokers tip for Megaport shares over the next 12 months
• Zip Co reports record FY26 earnings and outlines growth strategy
• Megaport FY26: Earnings soar as AI and global footprint drive strategy
• Northern Star Resources posts record profit and steady dividend for FY26

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 Megaport. 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.

Hansen Technologies Ltd (ASX: HSN) shares are slightly more than 40% down over the past 12 months, but following their full year results broker Shaw and Partners is predicting some serious upside for the ASX 300 stock.

Shaw and Partners has a buy recommendation on the shares and a very bullish share price target which I’ll get to shortly.

First, let’s look at what the company reported recently.

Strong profit result from steady revenue

Hansen earlier this week reported operating revenue of $386.5 million, down 1.5%, with the company saying the result was impacted by lower licence fees and foreign exchange headwinds.

Underlying net profit was strong however, coming in 22.5% higher than the previous corresponding period at $48.5 million.

Hansen Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hansen said regarding the result:

FY26 demonstrated the resilience of Hansen’s business model. In a more cautious environment, we have remained focused on disciplined execution, protecting earnings quality while continuing to invest for long-term growth. What we have seen during the year, with regards to revenue, is primarily caused by mix and foreign exchange. We continue to have a solid pipeline of demand for our products and services. Our recurring revenue base continues to improve, providing stability and visibility through the cycle. AI is increasingly driving productivity, operating leverage and long-term margin expansion.

The company said AI had been a large focus, and an AI enablement team had been set up to drive capability across the workforce.

Hansen said it was now, “shifting from capability building to the deployment and commercialisation of AI solutions that deliver measurable value for customers and shareholders”.

On the corporate front, the company said its strong cash generation and conservative balance sheet provided flexibility to pursue accretive opportunities.

Hansen Technologies shares looking cheap

Shaw and Partners said in a note to clients following the result, that it was a better result than the headline numbers indicated.

They said:

Key takes: 1) FY26 was stronger underneath the headline, with improving recurring revenue mix, disciplined costs and record cash generation; 2) FY27 is now a transition/investment year as licence revenue shifts to recurring streams and HSN reinvests in AI and sales, with growth and 30%+ margins expected to return in FY28; and 3) Stuart MacDonald’s appointment as CEO adds a credible new growth lens.

Shaw and Partners reiterated their buy rating but reduced their 12-month price target on Hansen shares from $7.60 to $6.80.

This compares to $3.26 currently. Hansen Technologies is valued at $869.2 million.

The post This ASX 300 technology stock is tipped to double in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Hansen Technologies appoints new CEO as Andrew Hansen becomes Executive Chair

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

The Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) share price is having a bit of a wild ride today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining giant closed trading yesterday for $18.06. In morning trade on Thursday, shares have been swinging between losses and gains.

At one point, shares were down 2.1% at $17.68 each. At the time of writing, shares have recouped those losses to be changing hands for $18.20 apiece, up 0.8%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time.

This wild ride for the Fortescue share price follows the release of the miner’s full-year FY 2026 results.

Here’s what’s grabbing investor interest.

Fortescue share price swings back in the green on earnings growth

Over the 12-month period, Fortescue reported revenue of US$17 billion, up 9% from FY 2025. Management credited the revenue boost to the 7% increase in the hematite (iron oxide mineral) realised price to US$91 per dry metric tonne (dmt) and a 2% increase in iron ore sales to 201.4 million tonnes.

But costs were up too, with the hematite C1 unit cost of US$18.74 per wet metric tonne (wmt) up 4% year on year.

Likely helping lift the Fortescue share price today, the company achieved a 9% increase in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to US$8.6 billion.

And underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was up 3% from FY 2025 to US$3.5 billion.

Potentially explaining the volatile price swings, statutory NPAT of US$2.9 billion was down 15%, reflecting a US$525 million non-cash impairment charge relating to Iron Bridge, and a US$73 million compensation claim expense.

The passive income declined as well, with management declaring a fully-franked dividend of 46 cents per share, down 23.3% from last year’s final payout.

What did management say?

Commenting on the results rocking the Fortescue share price today, Fortescue Metals and Operations CEO Dino Otranto said:

Our record operating performance this year underpinned a 9% increase in underlying EBITDA and a 25% increase in free cash flow.

We invested US$3.6 billion across the business and finished the year with US$5.1 billion in cash and net debt of just US$0.9 billion. That puts us in a strong position to continue investing in growth while delivering returns to shareholders.

And Fortescue is tapping into the artificial intelligence revolution to further ramp up productivity.

“We’re also continuing to look for ways to lift productivity and get more from our assets,” Otranto said.

He noted:

AI is one of our biggest opportunities to create value and has the potential to change almost every aspect of how we operate. We’re already putting it to work across drilling, processing, rail and haulage, and using it to optimise how we generate, store and use energy across our Green Grid.

And this is just the start. Autonomy changed how we operated and helped drive our costs down. We see AI doing the same – but on a much broader scale.

With today’s intraday moves factored in, the Fortescue share price is down 6.4% since this time last year, not including dividends.

The post Why is the Fortescue share price on a rollercoaster today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 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.

After a slow start to 2026, the ASX has found some momentum in recent months. 

A more optimistic outlook for conflict in Iran, cooling inflation and halted interest rates are shifting market conditions back towards growth shares. 

For investors looking to beat the market in the new financial year, there are several ASX ETFs that could be poised for strong growth. 

Here are three I would be watching closely. 

Betashares Global Robotics And AI ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

This ASX ETF invests in companies involved in industrial robotics and automation, non-industrial robots, humanoid technology, robotics-focused AI and unmanned vehicles and drones.

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger driver of the US economy than consumer spending, according to Nasdaq Chief Economist Phil Mackintosh. 

Mackintosh said the extraordinary wave of investment in AI is reshaping both economic growth and financial markets.

We’ve kind of pivoted away from the consumer being the real driver of growth in the US economy. The consumer has been slowing in the US. What’s been replacing it though is all the build-out of AI.

This bodes well for the future of ASX ETFs like this one from Betashares, which targets leading global companies involved in the production or use of robotics and robotics-focused AI products and services.

AI is largely underrepresented here in Australia, which makes this fund appealing to investors looking to capture the high growth potential from international companies. 

Betashares S&P ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Thanks to the large AI sell-off in early 2026, many Australian technology companies still remain undervalued. 

This may have created a unique opportunity for growth investors that believe these shares can bounce back. 

The ATEC fund remains down 28% over the last 12 months, but with headwinds easing, it could be a winner over the next 12 months. 

This ASX ETF aims to track the performance of the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (before fees and expenses). 

The Index provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies in a range of tech-related market segments such as information technology, consumer electronics, online retail and medical technology.

Global X Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

This fund from Global X is another high-growth opportunity. 

It seeks to invest in companies at the leading edge of next-generation technology that includes household names and newcomers.

This includes companies in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, ecommerce, electric vehicles, social media, and streaming.

All the underlying holdings are US-based, offering another option for investors seeking international diversification.

It has enjoyed strong momentum since late March, rising more than 20% in that span. 

The post 3 growth focussed ASX ETFs that could beat the market in FY27 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.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) shares are flying higher in early morning trade on Thursday after the company posted its FY26 results.

At the time of writing, the shares have climbed around 8% to a fresh all-time high of $21.96 each.

Today’s increase means the shares are now up around 83% higher for the year-to-date and 52% higher than 12 months ago.

The update comes as Megaport posted a huge 37% increase in revenue, a 24% increase in EBITDA, and a 62% hike in group annual recurring revenue for FY26. Megaport’s revenue figures came in at the high end of its upgraded guidance. 

Clearly investors are pleased with the financial update, and many are rushing to snap up the company’s shares this morning while they’re still trading for cheap.

Megaport shares have rallied higher in 2026

The ASX tech shares have enjoyed an incredible rally over the past four months. Megaport shares rebounded strongly in May thanks to a run of good-news announcements and a reversal of investor sentiment.

The software-defined network (SDN) service provider has confirmed several new contracts since late-April, including a three-year compute and storage contract with a total contract value (TCV) of approximately US$25.1 million (A$35.4 million) and three additional binding contracts with two US AI customers, worth a TCV of approximately US$183 million and annualised recurring revenue (ARR) of approximately US$65 million. 

In early-June Megaport went into a trading halt ahead of the launch of a new fully underwritten $827.3 million entitlement offer. The company completed the institutional component of the offer, priced at $14.30 per share, on the 5th of June.

Today’s bumper FY26 results and run of contract wins confirms that the business is on track for growth.

But now the question is, can the Megaport shares keep climbing higher? Or have they now reached fair value?

Here’s what the experts think.

Here’s what brokers tip for the ASX tech shares over the next 12 months

We might see brokers and analysts revise their outlooks on Megaport shares in coming days, following today’s results announcement.

But at the time of writing, brokers are very bullish about where the shares could travel to next.

Market Index data shows all brokers agree to a buy rating on Megaport shares. The $24.42 average target price implies a potential 11% upside, at the time of writing.

According to TradingView data, the majority of analysts (14 out of 16) have a buy/strong buy rating on the ASX tech shares.

The average $23.29 target price implies a potential 6% upside at the time of writing. However, some are even more bullish and tip the shares to increase up to 39% to $30.55 over the next 12 months.

Macquarie recently said it is impressed with the company’s latest contract wins. The broker said Megaport provides AI exposure for investors with shorter lead times and less capital expenditure than data centre operators. It has a buy rating and a $27.80 price target for the shares.

The post Here’s what brokers tip for Megaport shares over the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Megaport FY26: Earnings soar as AI and global footprint drive strategy
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Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Megaport. 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 WAM Microcap Ltd (ASX: WMI) share price is in focus after the company declared a fully franked final dividend of 5.35 cents per share for FY26, bringing the total fully franked dividend for the year to 10.7 cents per share. The investment portfolio delivered a tiny 0.1% return for the year, lagging its benchmark.

What did WAM Microcap report?

• Fully franked final dividend of 5.35 cents per share, taking the full year payout to 10.7 cents per share
• Fully franked dividend yield of 7.6% (grossed-up, 10.9%) based on 19 August 2026 share price
• Investment portfolio return of 0.1% for FY26, compared to S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Accumulation Index return of 8.1%
• Operating loss before tax of $2.4 million (previous year: profit of $59.7 million)
• Operating loss after tax of $0.1 million (previous year: profit of $43.6 million)
• Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) available with a 2.5% discount for the final dividend

What else do investors need to know?

WAM Microcap has now paid a total of 80.7 cents per share in fully franked dividends since listing in 2017, or 115.3 cents per share including the benefit of franking credits. The 2026 result reflects a tough year, driven by underperformance in micro-cap industrials and limited exposure to the booming resources sector.

Despite this, WAM Microcap continues to focus on identifying undervalued micro-cap companies, aiming to deliver capital growth and income to shareholders. The portfolio remains diversified across sectors including industrials, consumer discretionary, and technology.

What did WAM Microcap management say?

Chairman Geoff Wilson AO said:

We are pleased to declare a fully franked final dividend of 5.35 cents per share for WAM Microcap shareholders, taking the fully franked full year dividend to 10.7 cents per share. The benefits of the listed investment company structure, together with the profits reserve available, have enabled the Board to continue to provide fully franked dividends to shareholders through market cycle.

Since listing in June 2017, WAM Microcap has delivered 80.7 cents per share in fully franked dividends to shareholders, or 115.3 cents per share when including the value of franking credits.

What’s next for WAM Microcap?

Looking ahead, management remains positive about the long-term potential of the micro-cap sector, believing that the company’s focus on under-researched and undervalued names will reward patient investors. The portfolio team continues to seek stocks they believe the market is undervaluing, backed by fundamental research.

WAM Microcap will hold a Q&A webinar on 22 September 2026 for investors to discuss these results and outlook with the portfolio team.

View Original Announcement

The post WAM Microcap hikes dividend for FY26 despite tricky year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has positions in Wam Microcap. 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.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) shares are pushing higher today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) global wine company closed yesterday trading at $5.60. In morning trade on Thursday, shares are changing hands for $5.62 apiece, up 0.4%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.5% at this same time.

If you’ve been following along with the wine stock, you’ll know it’s been struggling for some time now, particularly with its United States markets.

That’s seen investors exiting the stock, leaving Treasury Wine shares down 29.5% over 12 months.

However, the last five months have seen a remarkable turnaround.

After plumbing a one-year closing low of $3.37 a share on 26 March, the ASX 200 stock has now surged 66.8% from those lows.

And according to Wealth Within senior analyst Filip Tortevski, the rally could have much further to run.

Can Treasury Wine shares reclaim the $10 mark?

Treasury Wine released its full-year FY 2026 results on 13 August.

While net sales revenue over the year increased by 12.8% to $2.6 billion, the company posted a statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) loss of $1.08 billion, impacted by $1.31 billion in post-tax material items.

Despite the loss, Treasury Wine shares closed up 4.9% on the day.

Commenting on those results and share price moves, Tortevski said:

Treasury Wine Estates’ FY26 result … wasn’t pretty, but the market’s reaction tells us something far more interesting.

TWE initially sold off after reporting a $1.08 billion statutory loss, with earnings from its Americas business falling 61.4%, but buyers quickly stepped in, pushing the stock back into positive territory and, importantly, above where it was trading after Monday’s announcement of its major US reset.

On Monday, 10 August, Treasury Wine announced an additional $558.4 million post-tax non-cash write-down on its US assets, with the company undertaking a strategic review of its Americas business.

“America has been a problem for TWE for years, but management is finally making the tough calls, cutting excess capacity, reducing production and inventory and reassessing what the US business should look like,” Tortevski said.

He added:

For TWE, what’s even more interesting is that buyers didn’t just turn up [following the earnings announcement]. TWE’s share price has been steadily rising for around two months, well before these announcements landed. The market was already starting to price in something better, and [last week’s] reaction only adds to that.

So, does the rally in Treasury Wine shares have legs?

According to Tortevski, it appears so.

He noted:

There’s also plenty of room above. This was a $15-plus stock only a few years ago, so if management can finally get America under control while continuing to grow Penfolds in China, a move back towards $10 over the next few years isn’t out of the question.

$10 a share would represent a potential 80% upside from current levels.

“Sometimes the biggest opportunity isn’t finding the next growth story. It’s fixing the one the market has already given up on,” Tortevski concluded.

The post Up 67%! Why the rebound in Treasury Wine shares may just be getting started appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM) share price is in focus after the company secured up to US$120 million (about AU$170 million) in new strategic equity funding to fully address its equity requirements for the flagship Colossus Project, following the completion of its Definitive Feasibility Study.

What did Viridis Mining and Minerals report?

• Secured commitments for up to US$120 million (~AU$170 million) in strategic equity funding before costs
• Combined with existing cash and undrawn facilities, identified equity funding totals approximately US$154 million, exceeding the US$135 million indicative equity requirement for Colossus
• One Investment Management to invest up to US$75 million across two tranches, becoming a key institutional investor
• ORE Investments Ltda. and Régia Capital Ltda. accelerated their next US$5 million tranche with a further US$20 million available
• US$40 million raised from a select group of mostly Brazilian institutional investors
• Placement issue price of AU$3.79 per share, representing a 10% discount to last close

What else do investors need to know?

Viridis now has a clear pathway to deliver the Colossus Project, with sufficient equity identified and strong support from both international and domestic investors. The company plans to use these funds to launch key activities, including project execution tasks like appointing the EPCM contractor and placing orders for long-lead equipment.

The company’s project financing structure will target 70% senior debt and 30% equity, with debt funding discussions well advanced and support letters in place from Export Finance Australia, Export Development Canada, and Bpifrance. Advanced negotiations with the Brazilian National Bank and other agencies also provide multiple options to support project development.

What did Viridis Mining and Minerals management say?

Managing Director Rafael Moreno said:

This is a significant achievement for Viridis. Following completion of the DFS, we have now secured sufficient funding sources to fully address the indicative equity requirement for Colossus, materially de-risking the Project’s funding pathway as we transition into execution.

We are very pleased to welcome OneIM as a cornerstone institutional investor, alongside the continued support of ORE/Régia and a select group of strategic investors. Importantly, the majority of the Placement capital has been raised from leading Brazilian investors, demonstrating strong domestic conviction in Colossus and alignment with our strategy to maximise rare earth industrialisation and downstream capability in Brazil.

With the equity requirement addressed, our focus is now firmly on execution, finalising binding offtake and senior debt, appointing the EPCM contractor and placing orders for key long-lead equipment. With the DFS complete, funding significantly de-risked and strong strategic partners alongside us, we are very well positioned to advance Colossus through FID and into construction.

What’s next for Viridis Mining and Minerals?

Viridis is focused on moving the Colossus Project from DFS into execution. Top priorities include finalising binding offtake agreements, securing the senior debt package, and commencing construction activities. The company’s strong funding position should help de-risk these critical next steps.

The board is working towards a Final Investment Decision in the fourth quarter of 2026. Plans also include ongoing optimisation at its demonstration plant, progressing environmental approvals, further exploration, and drilling around the existing resource.

Viridis Mining and Minerals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Viridis Mining and Minerals shares have risen more than 200%, far outpacing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

View Original Announcement

The post Viridis Mining and Minerals secures US$120m equity to fund Colossus project 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.

The Perpetual Equity Investment Company Ltd (ASX: PIC) share price is in focus today after the company reported a net profit after tax of $12.1 million for FY26 and declared a fully franked full-year dividend of 8.0 cents per share, consistent with the previous year.

What did Perpetual Equity Investment Company report?

• Net profit after tax (NPAT): $12.1 million for FY26
• Fully franked full-year dividend: 8.0 cents per share, matching FY25
• Dividend yield: 6.8%, grossed-up yield of 9.7% based on a share price of $1.18
• Profit reserve: $63 million, providing 2.0 years of dividend coverage
• 5-year investment performance: 5% p.a. (NTA, post-fees, pre-tax)

What else do investors need to know?

Perpetual Equity Investment Company will move from paying semi-annual dividends to monthly dividends, with the first scheduled for December 2026—subject to Board approval. This change aims to give shareholders, especially those focused on regular income, timelier access to profits.

For FY26, the Company’s portfolio returned 2.8%, trailing the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index’s 6.2%. At 30 June 2026, the portfolio held 77.9% in Australian listed securities, 15.6% in global listed securities, and 6.5% in cash.

What did Perpetual Equity Investment Company management say?

PIC Chairman Nancy Fox AM stated:

We are pleased to deliver another year of strong fully franked dividend income for PIC shareholders. The total FY26 dividend of 8.0 cents per share equates to an annual dividend yield of 6.8% and grossed up yield of 9.7%. This compares favourably to the dividend yield of the S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index which was 3.1% as at 30 June 2026. Earlier this month, we announced that PIC will transition from semi-annual to monthly dividend payments… The Board remains focused on prudent capital management to ensure the overall position of the Company remains strong.

What’s next for Perpetual Equity Investment Company?

Looking ahead, the move to monthly dividends is expected to appeal to income-focused investors. The Board plans to maintain a strong focus on capital management and dividend sustainability, backed by a sizable profit reserve.

Management’s disciplined approach will continue to prioritise high-quality businesses, with a view to navigating ongoing market volatility and seeking out value opportunities for shareholders.

Perpetual Equity Investment Company share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Perpetual shares have declined 5%, trailing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 1% over the same period.

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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 Beacon Minerals Ltd (ASX: BCN) share price is in focus after the company announced a massive 325% lift in ore reserves at its Lady Ida Project’s Iguana Deposit, alongside an estimated pre-tax free cash flow of A$841 million.

What did Beacon Minerals report?

• Ore Reserve Estimate: 11.0 million tonnes at 1.20 g/t gold for 430,200 ounces (1% Proved, 99% Probable), up 325%.
• Pre-tax free cash flow: Estimated at A$841 million (undiscounted) at A$5,500/oz gold over nine years.
• Average all-in sustaining cost (AISC): A$3,283 per ounce across the project’s nine-year life.
• Mineral Resource Estimate: 11.5 million tonnes at 1.4 g/t gold for 533,000 ounces, up 266% in measured and indicated resource ounces.
• Ore Reserve to Mineral Resource conversion ratio: 81%.
• Establishment capital: A$2.5 million, including camp and haul roads.

What else do investors need to know?

The significant ore reserve and mineral resource increases were driven by a +75,000 metre drill campaign completed in May 2026. The Iguana deposit ore will be hauled 43 kilometres to Beacon’s Jaurdi process plant, where a conventional CIP circuit will be used. The operation is now modelled to support nine years of mining, with marginal impact from different gold prices, thanks to robust cost controls and improved orebody definition.

The Jaurdi Mill upgrade is scheduled for completion in November, aimed at supporting sustained throughput from the more extensive Iguana ore body. Beacon notes all key mining approvals are in place, and the mineralisation remains open at depth for future exploration.

What did Beacon Minerals management say?

Graham McGarry, Executive Chairman and Managing Director said:

The significant increase in ore reserves following our +75,000 metre drill campaign which concluded in May 2026 has enhanced the value of the Iguana deposit for the benefit of our shareholders. The Jaurdi Mill upgrade scheduled to be completed in November will complement our successful ore reserve drill campaign.

What’s next for Beacon Minerals?

Beacon will focus on bringing the expanded Iguana deposit into full production, leveraging the upcoming Jaurdi Mill upgrade. The company plans to continue exploration at depth and along strike to further grow resources. Operational guidance remains unchanged, and all approvals and infrastructure are in place to deliver on the updated mining schedule.

With gold recovery and processing proven through earlier operations and test work, Beacon Minerals is aiming for steady and predictable output. The conversion of further mineral resources to reserves remains a priority, with scope for continued exploration success at Lady Ida.

Beacon Minerals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Beacon Minerals shares have risen 73%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) by a wide margin.

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The post Beacon Minerals posts 325% jump in Lady Ida reserves and outlines big 2026 plans appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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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.