Latest Financials News

Westpac Banking Corporation posted a statutory net profit of AUD 3.414 billion for the half year ended March 2026, marking a 3% increase on the prior corresponding period despite a 5% decline from the previous half. The bank maintained a strong capital position and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 77 cents per share.

National Australia Bank’s half year to March 2026 saw revenue climb 8.7% to $11.16 billion while net profit dropped 19.3%, hit by a $949 million accelerated software amortisation. Excluding this, cash earnings edged 2.3% higher, underpinned by strong business banking growth and cautious credit provisioning amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Bank of Queensland has finalised the sale of its equipment finance portfolio to Challenger for $3.62 billion, marking a pivotal step in its strategic transformation. The transaction sets the stage for potential shareholder returns through a buyback and special dividend, pending approvals.

ANZ Group Holdings Limited posted a 14% rise in cash profit for 1H26 to AUD 3.78 billion, driven by cost reductions and steady revenue, while declaring an 83-cent interim dividend with 75% franking.

MFF Capital Investments has updated its dividend distribution details for the half-year ending December 2025, confirming a fully franked 10-cent dividend payable in May and setting reinvestment plan prices at AUD 4.577.

Judo Bank reported solid Q3 lending growth and stable asset quality, maintaining its FY26 profit before tax guidance between $180m and $190m despite increasing credit loss provisions due to economic uncertainty.

Bank of Queensland’s statutory profit fell 20% to $136 million in 1H26, weighed down by a $31 million loss on its equipment finance portfolio sale. The bank advances its digital transformation and plans a $3.7 billion capital release with Challenger Limited, maintaining strong capital and dividend guidance.

Challenger Limited reported a 19% jump in Life sales to $1.7 billion in Q3 FY26, driven by strong annuity demand and offshore growth. Despite a 10% dip in Funds Management FUM amid market volatility, the company advanced key retirement partnerships and tightened its FY26 EPS guidance.

MA Credit Income Trust has approved an on-market buy-back of its units, adding a flexible tool to its capital management arsenal amid evolving market conditions.

National Australia Bank is adjusting its credit provisioning and capital policies in response to market volatility from the Middle East conflict, with significant impacts on its 1H26 earnings and balance sheet.

The ACCC has escalated its review of Insurance Australia Group’s proposed takeover of RAC Insurance, flagging significant competition concerns in Western Australia’s motor and home insurance markets.

ECP Emerging Growth Limited’s portfolio plunged 19.4% in the March quarter, dragging its net tangible asset value down by nearly 30%, as growth stocks stumbled amid geopolitical tensions and rising rates. The fund added furniture retailer Koala Company and sees value in its resilient holdings despite the rough patch.