1 October we become SureStone CapitalSame team, same ABN. Our website and email addresses move to surestone.com.au.
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The ASX 200 opened 0.5% higher today, supported by a raft of company results.
Ampol (ALD) swung to a $1.36 billion statutory profit in the first half, compared with a $25.3 million loss a year earlier, driven by stronger refining margins and tight fuel supply. Underlying profit rose to $857 million, from $180 million. Ampol declared a fully franked $1.85 dividend, more than four times last year's payout, and completed its acquisition of EG Australia. The acquisition is expected to deliver $65–80 million in annual synergies from FY27.
Ansell (ANN) reported sales of $2.1 billion, up almost 7%, while adjusted earnings per share increased more than 18% on an organic constant-currency basis. Adjusted EBIT margins improved by 90 basis points to 15%. The company said sourcing initiatives and price increases are helping offset US tariffs, Middle East disruption and cost inflation.
Reece (REH) reported sales of $9.4 billion, up 4.5%, while EBITDA was broadly flat at $901 million. The Australia and New Zealand business remained strong, with sales up 8% and EBIT up 6%. However, US EBIT fell 13%, reflecting network expansion costs and weaker residential construction. Reece returned $401 million through a share buyback and paid a total dividend of 18.8 cents per share.
Endeavour Group (EDV) reported FY26 underlying net profit after tax of $363 million, with earnings down almost 15%. Full-year sales increased 1.3% to $12.2 billion. The company expects FY27 capital expenditure of between $550 million and $650 million, while costs are expected to remain under pressure from inflation, wages and its transformation program.
Aussie Broadband (ABB) expects underlying earnings to grow to between $205 million and $250 million in FY27. Revenue increased 9% to $1.3 billion, while net profit rose 7% to around $35.5 million. The company launched a $115 million share buyback and added more than 120,000 broadband connections since the start of FY26. It declared a fully franked dividend of 6 cents per share, although shares fell close to 5%.
Pilbara Minerals (PLS) swung to a $526 million net profit, compared with a loss of $190.6 million previously. Revenue surged more than 150% to $1.9 billion, supported by record annual production, a 120% increase in realised lithium prices and 17% growth in sales volumes. Unit operating costs also declined, highlighting improved operating performance alongside the recovery in lithium prices.
