Latest Securities And Investment News

APA Group (ASX:APA) posted an 81% jump in net profit after tax to AUD 234 million for FY26, driven by strong EBITDA growth, cost savings, and contributions from new assets. The company declared its 22nd consecutive distribution increase, advancing key infrastructure projects and sustainability goals.

Fiducian Group posted solid underlying earnings growth in FY2026, boosted by a 7% rise in funds under management, advice and administration, while absorbing a one-off $7.95 million ASIC penalty that halved statutory profits.

James Hardie Industries has been hit with a new class action in Victoria alleging breaches related to forward-looking financial statements made between May and August 2025. The company denies any wrongdoing and plans to defend vigorously.

Cygnus Metals has cleared a key legal hurdle with the WA Supreme Court approving a shareholder meeting to vote on Central Asia Metals' acquisition proposal. The Scheme Booklet, including an Independent Expert’s Report, will be dispatched next week ahead of the September meeting.

Fiducian Group's subsidiary Fiducian Investment Management Services Limited has settled ASIC civil proceedings with a $7.3 million penalty plus $650,000 in costs, approved by the NSW Supreme Court.

Forrestania Resources has extended its off-market takeover offer for Zenith Minerals shares to 31 August 2026, while ASIC has approved a faster payment window that removes withdrawal rights for shareholders.

Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) reported a 742% jump in net profit to $281 million for FY26 despite a 9% revenue decline, driven by Waitsia Gas Plant reaching full capacity and stringent cost control. The company declared a fully franked final dividend of 2 cents per share.

Cygnus Metals has lodged its draft scheme booklet with ASIC, moving closer to a planned acquisition by Central Asia Metals. Regulatory approvals in North Macedonia are complete, with Kazakhstan clearance still pending.

HSBC Bank Australia is selling its AUD36 billion home and personal loan portfolio to Blackstone affiliates, marking a significant step in winding down its Australian retail banking operations. The deal awaits regulatory approvals and is expected to close in early 2027.

Pepper Money is set to become the servicer for a massive A$36 billion loan portfolio from HSBC Australia following its acquisition by a Blackstone-controlled entity, aligning with Pepper Money's strategy to expand its capital-light servicing business.

Yancoal's June quarter saw a 20% jump in attributable saleable coal production to 10.8 million tonnes, supported by rising realised coal prices and operational improvements. The company advances its strategic growth with the pending acquisition of an 80% stake in the Kestrel Coal Mine, while planning to close Ashton mine by early 2028.

Loyal Metals has sent its Scheme Booklet to shareholders detailing the proposed A$0.45 per share acquisition by PT Bumi Resources, setting the stage for a shareholder vote on 20 August 2026.