Daily Roundup

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Audinate Group Ltd Delivers Solid First Half Results

Audinate Group Limited (ASX:AD8) has reported a return to revenue growth in the first half of fiscal year 2026, with a 12% increase in revenue to US$21.1 million. The company maintained a strong gross profit margin of 82.6%, up from 82.2% in the prior corresponding period.

A key highlight was the successful launch of Iris, Audinate's new camera control subscription offering, which extends the Dante ecosystem into video and cloud-enabled video production workflows. Audinate also implemented organizational changes to better align its cost base with strategic Dante platform objectives, expected to deliver around $5 million in annualized cost benefits.

Looking ahead, Audinate expects US-dollar gross profit growth of 13-15% for the full 2026 fiscal year, with gross margin percentage remaining broadly consistent. The company will continue investing in core capabilities and product innovation, including Iris, Dante Director, and the broader Dante platform, to capture future growth opportunities.

Fiducian Group Ltd Reports Solid First Half Results

Fiducian Group Ltd (ASX:FID) has delivered a strong financial performance for the first half of fiscal year 2026. Funds under management, advice and administration (FUMAA) increased 9% to $15.6 billion, while net profit after tax (UNPAT) grew 17% to $11.5 million.

The company implemented several strategic initiatives, including launching an enhanced SMA offering, reducing platform fees, and directing almost 100% of net inflows into Fiducian's own managed funds. Dividends were also increased by 16% to 25.5 cents per share.

Fiducian expects to continue its strong growth trajectory, with the potential for additional annualized revenue of $2 million from platform administration and $2.8 million from funds management. The company is also addressing a regulatory matter related to the closure of the Fiducian Diversified Social Aspirations Fund in 2024.

New Hope Corporation Delivers Solid Quarterly Performance

New Hope Corporation Ltd (ASX:NHC) has reported a solid quarterly performance, with Group run-of-mine (ROM) coal production increasing 4.8% to 4.1 million tonnes and coal sales rising 8.2% to 2.9 million tonnes.

The company's underlying EBITDA for the first half of fiscal year 2026 was $214.8 million, reflecting the strong operational performance. New Hope also reported an available cash balance of $616.8 million as of the end of the quarter.

Looking ahead, the Bengalla Mine is expected to return to its 13.4 million tonnes per annum ROM coal production rate during the second half of fiscal year 2026, with progress made on re-aligning the pit sequence. The company has also reduced its FY2026 sustaining capital guidance for Bengalla to $100 million to $130 million.

JB Hi-Fi Delivers Record First Half Results

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX:JBH) has reported record financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2026, with total sales increasing 7.3% to $6.10 billion and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) growing 8.1% to $454.0 million.

Net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 7.1% to $305.8 million, and the company has increased its interim dividend by 23.5% to 210 cents per share. JB Hi-Fi's multichannel capabilities, low-cost operating model, and strong people and culture continue to underpin its performance.

While the company remains cautious given the uncertainty in the retail market, it is focused on executing its key strategic priorities, including brand reach expansion, enhancing the customer experience, and optimizing its supply chain. JB Hi-Fi expects to continue delivering sustainable long-term growth.

Nido Education Provides Market Update

Nido Education Ltd (ASX:NDO) has released a market update, providing perspective on the current trading conditions in the child care sector and an update on the company's own performance.

The announcement outlines that the Australian early childhood education and care market has seen softening demand conditions over 2024-2025, driven by factors such as declining birth rates, cost-of-living pressures, and changes in work patterns. However, Nido has made significant investments to strengthen its operational capabilities, prioritizing safeguarding, quality of the educational offering, employee engagement, and disciplined operational performance.

While Nido commenced 2026 with lower starting occupancy, the company has recorded year-on-year growth in enquiries and enrolment offers. Nido expects the operating environment to remain challenging but is focused on executing targeted initiatives to drive enrolments and deliver more days of learning across its service network.