Daily Roundup

Aussie Broadband caps off transformational year with bumper dividend hike

Aussie Broadband has delivered a standout performance for FY26, posting a 9.2% jump in revenue to nearly $1.3 billion while underlying EBITDA climbed to $165.3 million. The real story here is the company's completion of the largest NBN migration in history—a massive operational undertaking that's already adding significant scale and earnings lift heading into FY27. Strategic acquisitions including AGL Telco and More & Tangerine have further bolstered the business, and shareholders are being rewarded handsomely with dividends increased by 50% to 6 cents per share. The company is also returning up to $115 million through an on-market share buyback. Looking ahead, Aussie Broadband is guiding for FY27 underlying EBITDA between $205 million and $215 million, with capital expenditure expected to land between $60 million and $65 million. Management remains confident the company is well-positioned to deliver its upgraded Look-to-28 ambitions through a diversified platform and multiple earnings growth drivers.

Gold miner Alkane Resources posts solid first quarter

Alkane Resources delivered a respectable Q1 FY27, producing 40,740 ounces of gold equivalent at an all-in sustaining cost of $2,805 per ounce. The company processed over 740,000 tonnes of ore and generated $206 million in revenue from 38,348 ounces sold at an average gold price of $5,128 per ounce. Mine operating cash flow came in at $102 million, and the company finished the quarter with $440 million in cash and bullion on hand. In a milestone moment, Alkane paid its first fully franked dividend of 2 cents per share. For the full year, the company is guiding for gold equivalent production of 163-177 koz at an all-in sustaining cost of $2,900 to $3,200 per ounce, with operations across its Australian and Swedish assets contributing to the overall output.

Acusensus lands major ACT traffic enforcement contract

Acusensus has secured a significant multi-year contract with the Australian Capital Territory Government worth approximately $63 million over the initial five years, with options that could push the total value to $210 million. The AI-enabled road safety technology company will provide transportable and fixed enforcement camera solutions to detect mobile phone use, seatbelt compliance, speeding, and average speed violations across the territory. This win positions Acusensus to potentially expand its footprint in other Australian territories with similar offerings.

Steadfast acquisition moves forward as scheme booklet hits the market

Steadfast Group's proposed acquisition by Starboard BidCo—backed by Dragoneer Investment Group and KKR—has cleared another hurdle with the Supreme Court of New South Wales approving the convening of a shareholder meeting. The Scheme Booklet, which includes an Independent Expert's Report, has now been registered with ASIC and will be distributed to shareholders by 26 October 2026. The Independent Expert valued Steadfast shares on a controlling interest basis between $5.44 and $6.09 per share, with the scheme consideration falling within that range. The Steadfast Board unanimously recommends shareholders vote in favor of the scheme, subject to no superior proposal emerging and the expert maintaining its positive opinion.

Kip McGrath extends takeover offer deadline

Crimson Consulting Australia has extended its offer period for Kip McGrath Education Centres until 7:00 pm (Melbourne time) on 4 November 2026. The offer price remains steady at $0.75 per share—described as a final offer—while payment terms have been accelerated to 10 business days. Shareholders are being encouraged to accept without further delay.