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 was marginally higher, up around 0.2% to 9,079 points after six consecutive sessions of losses. Global risk appetite improved following US Treasury debt repurchases, with major US indices also edging higher. Investors are now watching Australia's July labour force data closely for its potential impact on interest rate expectations, while reporting season remains a key focus.
Fortescue (FMG) reported FY26 underlying net profit of US$3.5 billion, up 3%, with revenue rising more than 9% to US$17 billion. Free cash flow reached US$3.2 billion and the company declared a final dividend of $0.46 per share, taking the full-year dividend to $1.80. Fortescue recognised the previously announced US$525 million post-tax impairment on its Iron Bridge project, while FY27 guidance remains unchanged. Shares were broadly flat.
Northern Star Resources (NST) delivered FY26 underlying earnings of $4.3 billion and underlying net profit after tax of $1.8 billion, up 26%. Earnings margins improved to 56%, supported by a 26% increase in realised gold prices. The company declared a fully franked dividend of $0.55 per share and will continue its $500 million share buyback. FY27 gold production is forecast at 1.5–1.6 million ounces, with the market responding positively to the result.
Goodman Group (GMG) reported FY26 operating profit growth of almost 16%, while operating earnings per security increased 10%. Work in progress grew 53% to $19.7 billion, with data centres accounting for 78% of the pipeline. Goodman is targeting 9% operating earnings per security growth in FY27, with a distribution of $0.30 per security.
Brambles (BXB) reported underlying earnings growth of 9% for FY26 and declared a final dividend of $0.32 per share. Service centre issues continued to affect sales, while FY27 sales growth is expected at 2–4%. Brambles said it remains on track to resolve US repair capacity constraints by the end of the first half. The existing US$400 million share buyback is continuing, with shares down around 4.5%.
Medibank (MPL) reported a nearly 3% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $636.8 million. Its health division profit increased more than 31%, reflecting expansion across wellbeing, primary care and community health services. Medibank declared a fully franked dividend of 19.2 cents per share, up 6.7%.
Sonic Healthcare (SHL) reported FY26 revenue growth of 13% to $10.9 billion, with underlying earnings up 11% and statutory net profit rising 18%. Acquisitions continued to contribute to results, with integration of its laboratory businesses progressing as planned and synergies being captured from recent deals in Germany and Switzerland. Sonic maintained its progressive dividend policy, increasing the full-year dividend to $1.08 per share.
Super Retail Group (SUL) reported a positive start to FY27, with like-for-like sales up 1.5% and total sales rising 3.5% over the first seven weeks. FY26 sales increased 3.2% to $4.2 billion, while profit before tax fell 7% to $306 million. The retailer said consumer sentiment remains under pressure from the Middle East conflict, higher interest rates and housing pressures. Despite this, the result beat market expectations, sending shares around 15% higher.
ZIP Co (ZIP) delivered a record FY26, with cash earnings jumping nearly 58% to just under $269 million. Total transaction volume increased 27.2% to $16.7 billion, with the US business the standout performer. Australia and New Zealand also returned to growth, led by ZIP Plus. ZIP is targeting FY27 cash earnings of $340 million, representing a further 26% increase, with shares up around 14%.
