Daily Roundup

Tuesday, 18th February 2025
Last updated: 21:00

HUB.ASX BIO.ASX XRF.ASX AMX.ASX MIN.ASX

Strong First Half for HUB24 as Platform Inflows Hit Record

HUB24 Limited (ASX: HUB) has delivered an impressive set of results for the first half of the 2025 financial year (1HFY25). The company reported record platform net inflows of $9.5 billion, up 31% on the same period last year. This strong inflow growth, coupled with market performance, drove a 36% increase in platform funds under administration (FUA) to $98.9 billion.

The company's financial performance was equally strong, with group underlying EBITDA up 41% to $77.6 million and underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) increasing 40% to $42.6 million. HUB24 was also recognized for its industry-leading platform, winning awards for Best Platform Overall and Best Platform Managed Accounts Functionality.

Reflecting the company's confidence in its growth trajectory, HUB24 has upgraded its FY26 platform FUA target to a range of $123 billion to $135 billion, up from the previous $115 billion to $123 billion. CEO Andrew Alcock noted that the company has significant opportunities across its existing and new customer base, and will continue to drive industry transformation while enhancing value for customers and shareholders.

The strong performance was mirrored in HUB24's interim financial report, which showed a 25% increase in operating revenue to $195.2 million and a 30% lift in the interim dividend to 24.0 cents per share. The company remains focused on delivering its strategic objectives and maintaining its position as the leading provider of integrated platform, technology, and data solutions.

Biome Australia Delivers Maiden Profit

Biome Australia Ltd (ASX: BIO) has reported a landmark achievement, recording its first-ever net profit in the first half of the 2025 financial year. The company's sales revenue grew by an impressive 47% to $8.86 million, while its gross margin improved to 61%.

Biome's net profit for the half-year period was $433,395, including an R&D rebate, or $96,228 excluding the rebate. The company also reported positive EBITDA of $351,765, excluding R&D rebate and share-based payments.

The strong financial performance was driven by continued growth in Biome's Activated Probiotics range, which has seen its distribution footprint in Australia increase by 20% to 6,000 points of sale. Biome has also made inroads into the Canadian market, with early signs of promising traction.

Looking ahead, Biome has released its "Vision 27" strategic plan, which provides revenue guidance of up to $85 million in cumulative sales from FY25 to FY27. The company is preparing to launch a new brand and product range in the fourth quarter of FY25, which it expects will further drive growth.

XRF Scientific Delivers Record Results

XRF Scientific Ltd (ASX: XRF) has reported a standout half-year performance, with record revenue of $28.7 million and net profit after tax of $5.0 million, up 12% from the previous corresponding period.

The company saw strong demand from mining and industrial customers, both domestically and internationally, with sales growth in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. XRF's Consumables division was a particular standout, generating a record profit before tax of $3.6 million from revenue of $9.6 million.

Across the group, XRF's EBIT increased by 9.5% to $6.9 million, and the company maintained a robust balance sheet with $8.1 million in cash. The company's cross-selling strategy and expanded sales distribution for its Orbis crushers are expected to have a positive impact in the short-term.

Looking ahead, XRF has provided full-year guidance for revenue of approximately $60 million and net profit before tax of around $12.6 million, representing growth of 8% and 13% respectively compared to the 2024 financial year. The company remains optimistic about its growth prospects, driven by strong demand, international expansion, new product releases, and potential M&A opportunities.

Mineral Resources Weathers Commodity Headwinds

Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) has reported solid underlying financial results for the first half of the 2025 financial year, despite a weaker commodity price environment.

The company's revenue declined 8.9% to $2.29 billion, while underlying EBITDA fell 55% to $302 million. This was primarily due to a reduction in commodity prices, which impacted the performance of the Iron Ore and Lithium divisions.

However, Mineral Resources' Mining Services segment delivered a record underlying EBITDA of $379 million, up 49% on the prior corresponding period. This helped offset the weaker commodity segment results and maintain the company's strong liquidity position, with $1.52 billion in total available funds.

Looking ahead, Mineral Resources has adjusted its guidance for the Onslow Iron project, reducing attributable volume to 8.8 to 9.3 million tonnes and increasing FOB costs to $60 to $70 per tonne. The company remains focused on cost reductions and operational efficiency to maximize the long-term value of its assets.

Despite the near-term challenges, Mineral Resources' long-term outlook remains positive, with the company well-positioned to navigate the current commodity price environment and continue progressing its key projects, including Onslow Iron.