Based on the CEO’s Address to the 2025 Annual General Meeting, Servcorp Limited is performing exceptionally well, delivering “record” results across almost every key financial metric.

Similar to Tasmea, Servcorp appears to be performing ahead of expectations, with current trading exceeding prior-year levels and management signaling they are tracking toward the upper end of their guidance range.

Here is the detailed analysis:

1. Financial Performance: Record-Breaking

Servcorp describes FY25 as a “fruitful year,” and the data supports this description strongly. The company achieved record highs in profit, earnings per share, and free cash flow.

• Revenue Growth: Underlying operating revenue grew by 17% to $332.9m.

• Profitability Surge: The company has more than doubled its Underlying Net Profit Before Tax (NPBIT) in just 4 years. For FY25 specifically, Underlying NPBIT rose 23% to $69.1m , and Earnings Per Share (EPS) jumped 25% to 65.3 cps.

• Cash Flow Strength: Underlying free cash flow was very strong at $84.9m (up 17%), providing a solid foundation for reinvestment and dividends.

• Efficiency: A standout metric is the Return on Funds Employed (ROFE). It has climbed steadily from 17% in FY19 to 74% in FY25, with a staggering estimate of 93% for the first half of FY26. This indicates highly efficient use of capital.

2. Performance vs. Expectations: Ahead

The outlook provided in the presentation suggests the company is outperforming its own historical benchmarks and is confident in beating conservative estimates.

• Strong Start to FY26: The CEO explicitly states that “1Q26 results have exceeded the prior-year levels”.

• Guidance Upgrade: Management noted that underlying NPBIT is “tracking to the higher end” of their FY26 guidance range ($72.0m – $76.0m).

• Dividend Growth: Confidence is high enough that they have provided forward guidance that the FY26 dividend is “not expected to be below 30.0 cps,” an increase from the 28.0 cps paid in FY25.

3. Strategic Execution

Servcorp is balancing aggressive global expansion with financial discipline (a “healthy cash reserve”).

• Global Expansion: They are actively growing their footprint. Two new operations opened in Q1 FY26 (Australia and Thailand) , and 9 additional locations are currently under construction to open within the next 12 months.

• Technology Investment: They continue to invest “millions of dollars” in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity, viewing technology as a key enabler for their clients’ global operations.

• Asset Heavy/Light Mix: Unlike some competitors who might be purely asset-light, Servcorp emphasizes a “complete ecosystem” and “premium service” supported by heavy investment in teams (10 team members per 100 offices).

4. Areas to Watch

• Cautious Optimism: Despite the strong numbers, management describes their outlook as “cautiously optimistic”. This is standard corporate prudence but implies they are keeping an eye on potential global macroeconomic headwinds.

• Capital Efficiency: The projected jump in ROFE to 93% in 1H26 is extraordinary. Investors should watch to see if this level of efficiency is sustainable long-term or if it reflects a temporary peak.

Conclusion

Servcorp is in excellent financial health. They are growing revenue double-digits, expanding margins, sitting on record cash, and aggressively opening new locations. The fact that they are already tracking toward the high end of their FY26 guidance and projecting dividend increases suggests they are currently outpacing market expectations.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

AI Report: ASX:SRV 2025 AGM

Based on the 2025 Annual General Meeting presentation, Tasmea Limited appears to be performing exceptionally well and is likely performing ahead of expectations.

The company reports significant growth across all key financial metrics, a rapidly rising share price, and a confident outlook for the next financial year.

Here is a detailed analysis of their performance:

1. Financial Performance: Very Strong

Tasmea has delivered substantial double-digit growth in both revenue and profitability, indicating strong operational health.

• Revenue Growth: Statutory revenue increased by 37% to $548m. On a pro-forma basis (assuming acquisitions were held for the full year), revenue was $620.8m.

• Profitability Surge: The company is becoming more profitable as it grows. Statutory EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Tax) rose by 60% to $74.4m. Statutory Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) jumped by 74% to $53.1m.

• Margin Expansion: Crucially, Tasmea is not just increasing sales but improving efficiency. Their pro-forma EBIT margin expanded to 15.0% in FY25 , driven by their ability to self-perform services rather than subcontracting.

• Dividends: Shareholders were rewarded with a total fully franked dividend of 23.0 cents per share for FY25.

2. Performance vs. Expectations: Ahead

While the document does not explicitly list the “market consensus” expectations prior to the report, several indicators suggest the company is exceeding both internal and external targets:

• Share Price Rally: Since its IPO in April 2024, the share price has grown by >200%. A price chart included in the presentation shows a steep upward trajectory from under $2.00 to over $5.00, suggesting the market is re-rating the company significantly higher than initial expectations.

• Beating Growth Targets: The company has an internal target for organic growth (growth without buying new companies) of 15%. In their outlook, they state they are performing “Well above internal organic growth target of +15% per annum”.

• Guidance Confidence: They have re-confirmed their FY26 guidance, projecting a further 32% growth in EBIT to $110m. Companies struggling to meet expectations usually lower or withdraw guidance; confirming such aggressive growth targets is a sign of confidence.

3. Strategic Execution

Tasmea is successfully executing a “twin-pillar strategy” comprising organic growth and programmatic acquisitions.

• Acquisitions: The company has completed 14 acquisitions in the last 5 years. Recent acquisitions like Future Engineering Group and Flanco Group contributed to the FY25 pro-forma uplift.

• Capital Management: They recently completed a $43m institutional placement to fund further growth and have maintained a healthy balance sheet with net leverage under 1.0x.

• Operational Safety: A standout operational metric is their safety record, citing >4,500 days without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). In the industrial services sector, this is a critical indicator of disciplined management.

4. Areas to Watch (Risks)

While the report is overwhelmingly positive, an investor should keep the following in mind:

• Reliance on Acquisitions: A significant portion of their growth strategy relies on buying other companies (“Programmatic Acquisitions”). While they have a proven track record, this strategy carries integration risks if they grow too fast.

• Economic Sensitivity: They service “blue-chip essential asset owners” in mining, defense, and power. While these are essential sectors, a significant downturn in the resources or mining sector could impact their customers’ maintenance budgets.

Conclusion

Tasmea Limited is doing very well. They are capitalizing on high demand in the mining, power, and infrastructure sectors, expanding their margins, and successfully integrating acquisitions. The >200% share price growth since their recent IPO suggests they are rapidly outpacing market expectations.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

AI Report: ASX:TEA AGM

A Busy Engine Behind a Calm Ride

When you look at the performance tables, the Plato Global Alpha Fund (ASX:PGA1) jumps off the page.

Since its strategy began in 2021, it has delivered returns in the mid-20s per annum (after fees), against low-teens for the MSCI World Net Returns Index – roughly 12 percentage points of excess return per year over a strong global bull market. That kind of result gets attention, and it should. But it also raises obvious questions:

• What on earth is it doing to get there?
• How repeatable is it?
• And what risks sit under the hood?

PGA1 only listed on the ASX as a “complex ETF” in late 2024, providing a convenient vehicle for local investors to access the underlying Plato Global Alpha strategy. In this article I’ll focus less on the wrapper and more on the engine: what the portfolio actually looks like, how much it trades, and what that tells us about the way Plato is trying to generate “all-weather” alpha.

What is PGA1, in simple terms?

At its core, PGA1 is a global equity long/short fund:

• It owns (“goes long”) a large basket of shares it expects to outperform.
• It also shorts a large basket of shares it expects to underperform – that is, it sells borrowed shares and profits if they fall.
• It uses the cash from shorting to buy more longs, so the fund ends up with more than 100% of its capital invested on the long side, partly funded by those shorts.

In the latest update, the typical positioning looked roughly like this:

• Around 140–145% long
• Around 45–50% short
• Net exposure still close to 100% “in the market” – you’re not buying a market-neutral hedge fund, you’re buying a geared global equity exposure with an internal alpha overlay.

The process is systematic. Plato describes it as:

• A bottom-up, factor-driven stock selection model that scores companies on value, growth, quality and sentiment, and
• A large “red flag” library (100+ checks) designed to spot accounting issues, balance sheet risk, earnings deterioration and other potential “landmines” – both to avoid on the long side and to target on the short side.

The result is not a concentrated “best 30 stocks” portfolio. It’s a very broad book:

• Over 1,000 long positions
• Several hundred short positions
• Each individual position is typically small – often measured in a few tenths of a percent of the portfolio, rather than big 5–10% bets.

That breadth and diversification are key to understanding what comes next.

Are they constantly churning the portfolio?

One of the simplest ways to test how a fund behaves is to compare what it owned at two different points in time.

For PGA1, I looked at two full portfolio disclosures:

• End of December 2024
• End of June 2025

These are the only two complete holdings snapshots we have so far, but they already tell us quite a bit.

1. Name turnover vs capital turnover

On a name count basis, the portfolio looks very busy:

• The December snapshot held about 1,260 individual securities.
• By June, this had increased to roughly 1,350 securities.
• Around 70% of the December names were still in the book by June.
• The remaining 30% or so had disappeared, and there were hundreds of new names in their place.

If you stopped there, you’d conclude the fund is churning through positions at a furious rate.

But when you look at capital, the picture is almost the opposite:

• Roughly 95% of the December portfolio by weight was still invested in the same names six months later.
• Only about 5% of the capital had been recycled into completely new positions that weren’t in the December list at all.
• Coming the other way, roughly 90%+ of the June portfolio by weight was already present in December; only high single-digits by weight were genuinely new.

In other words:

There’s lots of activity in the tails – many small positions coming and going – but the core capital is remarkably stable.

From a trading-behaviour point of view, PGA1 looks less like a trader jumping in and out of big bets, and more like a large, systematic engine continually re-sizing a huge number of small positions as its models update.

2. Long to short flips (and vice versa) are rare but meaningful

With a long/short fund, a good stress-test is to ask:

How often do they flip a stock from long to short, or from short to long?

Between December and June, only a handful of names did a full U-turn:

• A small group moved from being net long (owning more than they shorted) to net short.
• A slightly larger group did the opposite.

Given the fund runs well over 1,500 aggregate positions, the fact that only a dozen or so names flipped direction over that six-month window tells you something:

• Most shorts are not “we hated it last quarter, now we love it” trades.
• They tend to be more structural expressions of the model – a stock sits in the doghouse for a while before earning its way out, and the position size moves gradually rather than whipping around.

When a name does flip from long to short or short to long, the change is usually meaningful in size. You’re seeing the model say, “This stock now scores very differently,” and the portfolio reflecting that.

What sort of companies does the fund actually own?

The October 2025 investment update gives a nice snapshot of the aggregate characteristics of the long book versus the index.

On average, the companies held long in PGA1 show:

• Higher profitability: return on equity around 22% vs ~18% for the benchmark.
• Faster growth: cash-flow growth roughly double that of the index.
• Cheaper valuations: price/earnings and price/cash-flow ratios notably lower than MSCI World.

So the long side of the portfolio, in broad terms, looks like “cheap quality growth”:

Companies earning strong returns on capital, growing faster than the average, but not trading at the most extreme growth-stock multiples.

On the sector and country mix, the portfolio:

• Holds a big chunk in US mega-cap tech and AI winners (NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Broadcom and friends).

• Shows clear overweights to financials (banks, capital markets, insurers) and some real-economy cyclicals like building products and defence.
• Is underweight more defensive areas such as consumer staples and large-cap pharmaceuticals.

• Is biased to the US but with active tilts towards selected non-US markets (Canada, parts of Europe and Asia).

Meanwhile, several of the worst detractors over the prior year came from the short book – for example, short positions in some mining and energy names that rallied hard. That’s a useful reminder that:

The short side is very real in this strategy – when a theme the fund is shorting goes on a tear, it can hurt.

High active share, modest tracking error – why that matters

Two statistics in the update are worth dwelling on:

• Active share ~90%+
• Tracking error ~3–3.5%
  

Active share measures how different the fund’s holdings are to the index. At 90-plus percent, PGA1 is about as far from a closet indexer as you’ll find in a listed ETF.

Tracking error measures how much the fund’s returns typically wiggle around the benchmark over time. A figure around 3% is not especially high; many “high conviction” long-only global funds run tracking errors in the mid-single digits.

Putting those two together:

• At the stock level, PGA1 is very different to the index – it owns and shorts a huge number of names that aren’t in MSCI World at all, and is constantly re-sizing them.
• At the portfolio level, the combination of long and short baskets is engineered to keep overall risk close to the market in terms of volatility and beta.

For investors, the practical translation is:

You’re getting something that behaves a lot like a global equity fund in terms of overall risk, but looks nothing like the index inside the engine bay.

That’s both the appeal and the danger: if the process continues to extract alpha from its stock-picking and risk controls, tracking error stays “cheap”; if the process hits a rough patch, you feel it quickly.

Fees, incentives and what you’re really paying for

A strategy like this doesn’t come at index-ETF prices.

For the quoted ETF class (PGA1 on the ASX), the key elements are:

• A management fee of 0.85% p.a. of the fund’s net asset value. Ordinary operating expenses are bundled into this.

• A performance fee of 15% of any outperformance (after management fees and costs) relative to the MSCI World Net Returns Index (unhedged, in AUD). This accrues daily and is typically paid semi-annually when the fund has a positive performance-fee balance.

• Indirect costs (for things like underlying vehicles and OTC derivatives) have historically been very small – estimated around 0.03% p.a. in recent disclosure.

For regulatory reasons, the PDS also has to quote an estimate of total “management fees and costs” that includes an assumption for performance fees based on the strategy’s actual history. Using performance up to 30 June 2024, that all-in figure comes out around 1.18% p.a. – effectively saying: “If future performance fees looked like they did over the last few years, the average ongoing cost would have been roughly this level.”

A few practical points:

• You only pay a performance fee if the fund beats its benchmark after costs. If it underperforms for a while, the negative accrual has to be earned back before the manager gets paid again.

• When the alpha engine is firing, performance fees can be material – which you can see indirectly in the fact that the long-term returns quoted are after both management and performance fees.

• Compared with plain-vanilla global index ETFs (often in the 0.10–0.20% range), you’re paying a clear “complexity and skill” premium here. The real question isn’t whether the fee is high or low in isolation; it’s whether the net, after-fee outcome justifies owning a strategy like this at all.

In other words:

PGA1 is priced more like a hedge fund than a cheap index tracker – but so far, the net numbers have been strong enough that investors haven’t had to squint to see what they’ve received for that fee drag.

The risk, of course, is that if the alpha fades and the fee meter keeps ticking, the gap between fund and benchmark can close quickly – or turn the other way.

Performance so far: excellent, but don’t anchor on it

The scoreboard to 31 October 2025 looks outstanding:

• Since inception (Sept 2021): fund ~25–26% p.a. vs benchmark ~13% p.a.
• 1-year to October 2025: fund over 40%, benchmark around 22%.
• Upside capture: the fund has historically captured roughly 128% of rising markets.
• Downside capture: it has historically captured around 65% of falling markets.

In plain English:

So far, PGA1 has gone up more than the market in good times and fallen less in bad times, while running similar overall volatility.

That is exactly the shape of return profile investors dream about – hence the attention.

But a couple of sobering points are worth emphasising:

• The track record, while not microscopic, is still one market cycle dominated by an enormous bull market in US growth and AI-related names.

• A lot of the headline alpha has come from being on the right side of that regime – large positions in mega-cap growth winners, plus strong selection within the mid-cap and smaller-cap parts of the universe.

• Quant strategies are not immune to prolonged drawdowns when their particular blend of factors falls out of favour.

Past performance – especially exceptional performance – is not a forecast. It’s evidence that the process has worked so far, in a particular environment.

What could go wrong?

No strategy is bullet-proof. Some of the key risks I’d flag, particularly for a fund like this, include:

Factor regime risk
The fund leans into a particular combination of value, growth, quality and sentiment signals. There have been long periods in history where some or all of those signals have gone cold. If the environment rotates in a way the model doesn’t handle well (for example, a sudden, sustained rotation out of quality growth and into deep cyclical value), underperformance can be sharp.

Short-book and leverage risk
Running ~140–150% long and ~45–50% short means the fund has gross exposure well above 100%. That’s fine as long as the alpha engine is working. If longs and shorts both move against the fund at the same time, losses can compound faster than in a traditional, unlevered fund.

Crowding and capacity
The underlying strategy now runs a material pool of capital. If many quant funds end up chasing similar signals in the same parts of the market, some of the edge can erode, and liquidity can dry up just when it’s least convenient.

Model risk and “unknown unknowns”
A big part of the appeal here is the red-flag library and the depth of the data the team uses. The flip side is that the behaviour of a large, complex model is always partly a black box to outside investors. You’re outsourcing a lot of decision-making to a process you can’t fully see.

None of these are arguments against the fund. They’re simply the other side of the coin when you venture away from traditional, long-only benchmarks into high-breadth, leveraged, long/short quant territory.

How I’d frame PGA1 in a portfolio conversation

Without making a recommendation, I’d summarise Plato Global Alpha (ASX:PGA1) like this:

• It’s not a simple “set and forget” global index tracker.
• It is a sophisticated, high-activity engine that:
  • Runs hundreds of small long and short positions.
  • Keeps the core holdings surprisingly stable over time, while constantly tuning position sizes at the margin.
  • Seeks to own a portfolio of profitable, growing companies at reasonable valuations, and short those that fail a set of forensic-style red-flag tests.
  • Has so far delivered very strong excess returns with index-like overall risk.

The key questions for any investor thinking about it are:

• Can the team maintain this level of alpha as assets grow?
• How does the strategy behave if we get a long period without a dominant US-tech/AI tailwind?
• Is the 4% p.a. targeted outperformance over MSCI World (after fees) a realistic long-term guide, or was the early period unusually favourable?

This is a complex, active global equity strategy inside an ETF wrapper. It may be a powerful diversifier, but it’s not a plain-vanilla index fund, and it deserves the same level of due diligence you’d apply to any specialist manager. Anyone considering it should read the Product Disclosure Statement, understand the risks, and think carefully about how a fund like this would sit alongside their other holdings and risk tolerance.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Inside Plato Global Alpha (ASX:PGA1)

October 2025 | Website: https://www.tabcorp.com.au

Overall Report Tone

Tabcorp Holdings (ASX: TAH) delivered a substantial turnaround in FY25, showing strong revenue and earnings growth, improved operational efficiency, and a clear execution strategy to become a structurally profitable omnichannel wagering business. Management expressed confidence and momentum heading into FY26, driven by strategic reforms, leadership renewal, and continued investment in digital and customer safety capabilities.

📊 Financial Results Summary (FY25 vs FY24)

🆕 New Information Disclosed

🐎 Successful transition to new Victorian Wagering Licence, contributing ~$84M in EBITDA uplift over 10.5 months.
🧠 New AI-powered player monitoring tool to be deployed in FY26 to enhance real-time intervention and customer safety.
🧱 Restructuring implemented: 230 roles removed, vertical integration applied, tighter P&L accountability introduced.
🧑‍💼 New leadership team onboarded with capability in wagering, digital, legal, operations, and compliance.
🏇 TAB Takeover and TAB Time delivering brand impact across racing carnivals and Saturday venues.
📺 Strategic focus on retail innovation, Sky Media, and the MAX network, targeting an integrated omnichannel experience.

✅ Positive Surprises or Potential Concerns

• 📈 NPAT grew 77% and EBIT nearly doubled, showing strong operational leverage.

• 🧠 Cost discipline resulted in opex down 2.4%, ahead of target — margin-accretive execution.

• 💡 New strategic clarity: Five-pillar framework offers structured growth roadmap with stakeholder alignment.

• ⚠️ Transformation costs ($27.1M) and lack of franking capacity (due to tax refund) could weigh on short-term perceptions.

📉 Results vs Market Expectations

• 🎯 Earnings well above prior year and likely ahead of market expectations post-restructure and demerger impact.

• ✅ FY25 marks a clear pivot from turnaround to execution, with FY26 now expected to reflect full Victorian Licence benefit.

• 🔍 Investor focus shifting from survival to scalability and profitability, helped by strong media and digital assets.

• ❗ Franking credit absence (due to FY24 ATO refunds) limits full income yield for some investors.

🔮 Outlook and Guidance Statements

• 🔄 FY26 to focus on operationalising strategy and delivering full-year uplift from Victorian licence.

• 🔄 Continued investment in AI and customer protection, with new monitoring tools and enhanced Safer Gambling team.

• 🧭 Long-term goal to deliver structural profitability in retail and leadership in national tote reform.

• 💼 Media growth and asset integration (Sky, Tote, MAX) set to differentiate offering in sports and racing entertainment.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Tabcorp Holdings (ASX:TAH) 2025 AGM Presentation Summary

October 2025 | Website: https://www.kinatico.com

Overall Report Tone

The Q1 FY26 update from Kinatico (ASX: KYP) signals strong operational momentum, driven by accelerating SaaS revenue growth and improved profitability, all while maintaining a debt-free balance sheet. The company’s strategic focus on small to medium business (SMB) markets and the launch of its compliance marketing initiative (“KC”) underline its transition into a higher-margin, scalable SaaS-driven growth model.

📊 Financial Results Summary (Q1 FY26 vs Q1 FY25)

🆕 New Information Disclosed

🔹 “KC” Compliance Platform has been soft-launched with 7 early signups even before marketing begins — a new initiative aimed at the SMB compliance market.
🔹 Marketing investment into KC includes print, digital, social, podcast, and streaming ads, signalling a full-scale go-to-market push.
🔹 Clear dual-track strategy revealed: SMB (volume + self-service) and Mid/Enterprise (ACV + expansion potential).
🔹 First signs of international growth plans: focus on New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
🔹 Company is pushing the narrative of growing AND remaining profitable through automation, margin expansion, and scalability.

✅ Positive Surprises or Potential Concerns

• 💡 +58% SaaS revenue growth with SaaS now over half of total revenue indicates a rapid and healthy business model transition.

• 🐶 Launch of KC (Kelpie character) is a bold and differentiated marketing initiative — unique in B2B RegTech space.

• 💪 EBITDA margins expanded despite growth investment, showing disciplined cost management.

• 🚫 No mention of cash flow, EPS or dividend, which may be a concern for income-focused investors.

📉 Results vs Market Expectations

• 📈 Revenue and EBITDA growth exceed typical expectations for a microcap SaaS business — particularly with no debt.

• 🤖 The platform appears ready to scale, with investment into automation and unit economics already paying off.

• 🚀 Marketing activity implies confidence in demand, with 7 early adopters signed pre-launch.

• 🔍 Investors may note the lack of full financials (no EPS or cash flow), making full analysis more difficult.

🔮 Outlook and Guidance Statements

• 🎯 Company expects to scale profitably, balancing investment in KC with margin discipline.

• 🌏 International expansion planned after AU/NZ success — SEA markets cited as next logical step.

• 🛠 Continued emphasis on automation and tech enablement to support margin expansion.

• 📈 Strong statements of ongoing EBITDA growth, with self-funded reinvestment a key theme.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Kinatico (ASX:KYP) 2025 AGM Presentation Summary

Baby Bunting (BBN)

Sector: Consumer Cyclical | Industry: Specialty Retail

Baby Bunting Group Limited is Australia’s largest specialty retailer of baby goods, offering a comprehensive range of products and services for infants and parents.

BBN Broker Price Target: $2.74 (previous $1.775) – BUY

Tabcorp (TAH)

Sector: Consumer Cyclical | Industry: Gambling

Tabcorp Holdings Limited is a diversified gambling entertainment company, operating wagering, media, and gaming services across Australia, including TAB, Sky Racing, and Keno brands.

• 2025 PER 25.4 | 2026e PER 33.8

TAH Broker Price Target: $0.96 (previous $0.82) – BUY

ZIP Co (ZIP)

Sector: Financial Services | Industry: Credit Services

Zip Co Limited is a financial technology company providing buy now, pay later services, allowing consumers to make purchases and pay over time, operating across various markets globally.

ZIP Broker Price Target: $4.48  (previous $3.46) – STRONG BUY

Life360 (360)

Sector: Technology | Industry: Software – Application

Life360, Inc. is a technology company specializing in location-based services through its Life360 mobile app, which offers features like location sharing, driving safety, and emergency assistance. The company also provides hardware tracking devices through its Tile product line, enabling users to locate lost items.

360 Broker Price Target: $47.27  (previous $27.30) – BUY

Eagers Automotive (APE)

Sector: Consumer Cyclical | Industry: Auto & Truck Dealerships

Eagers Automotive Limited is Australia’s largest automotive retail group, operating a network of dealerships across the country. The company offers a wide range of new and used vehicles, along with related services such as financing, insurance, and parts distribution.

APE Broker Price Target: $24.05  (previous $12.16) – NEUTRAL

Lovisa Holdings (LOV)

Sector: Consumer Cyclical | Industry: Specialty Retail

Lovisa Holdings Limited is a fast-fashion jewelry retailer, operating stores across Australia and internationally, offering a range of affordable jewelry and accessories.

LOV Broker Price Target: $24.05  (previous $12.16) – NEUTRAL

Netwealth Group (NWL)

Sector: Technology | Industry: Software – Application

Netwealth Group Limited offers investment and superannuation platform solutions, providing financial intermediaries and investors with a range of portfolio administration and management services.

NWL Broker Price Target: $34.50  (previous $28.09) – NEUTRAL

Aussie Broadband (ABB)

Sector: Communication Services | Industry: Telecom Services

Aussie Broadband Limited is an Australian telecommunications company providing internet, mobile, and other related services to residential, business, and government customers. Founded in 2003 and based in Morwell, Australia, it offers broadband, voice, and managed network solutions across the nation.

ABB Broker Price Target: $5.87  (previous $3.99) – BUY

The A2 Milk Company (A2M)

Sector: Consumer Defensive | Industry: Packaged Foods

The a2 Milk Company Limited specializes in the sale of branded milk and related products containing only the A2 protein type, catering to consumers in Australia, New Zealand, China, and the United States. Their product line includes liquid milk, infant formula, and other dairy products under the a2 Milk and a2 Platinum brands.

A2M Broker Price Target: $8.13  (previous $6.17) – NEUTRAL

CSL (CSL)

Sector: Healthcare | Industry: Biotechnology

CSL Limited is a global biotechnology company that develops and delivers innovative biotherapies and influenza vaccines, improving the health of people worldwide.

CSL Broker Price Target: $284.7  (previous $319.08) – BUY

James Hardie Industries (JHX)

Sector: Basic Materials | Industry: Building Materials

JHX Broker Price Target: $33.95  (previous $54.10) – BUY

Woolworths Group (WOW)

Sector: Consumer Defensive | Industry: Grocery Stores

WOW Broker Price Target: $30.32  (previous $34.99) – NEUTRAL

Your Stock Requests

Island Pharmaceuticals (ILA)

• Micro-cap antiviral repurposing biotech. Lead asset ISLA-101 (a repurposed small-molecule) is being developed for dengue fever using a human challenge model; strategy is faster, lower-risk development by starting with known safety profiles.
• Positive Phase 2a/b top-line results (12 Jun 2025). Company reported clinically meaningful anti-dengue activity: reduced viremia and symptoms in the prophylactic cohort; a treatment-cohort drug signal; presentation with additional findings followed on 17 Jun. These results are the primary driver of recent interest.
• June QTR Cash flow report: Revenue $0 | OCF -$823K | Cash on hand: $7.3M | No debt

Race Oncology (RAC)

• Clinical-stage oncology company developing RC220 (bisantrene), a reformulated anthracene-derived agent pitched for two things: anticancer activity and cardio-protection when combined with doxorubicin (a standard chemo that’s cardiotoxic).
• Phase 1 combo trial is live and recruiting: first patient safely dosed on 19 Jun 2025 in Australia; Hong Kong sites (Queen Mary, Prince of Wales) received ethics approvals in July and activation commenced in early September with screening underway. These steps de-risk execution and tend to be trading catalysts for small-cap biotech.
• June QTR Cash flow report: Revenue $0 | OCF -$3.5M | Cash on hand: $13.7M | No debt

4DMedical (4DX)

• Respiratory imaging software that quantifies lung ventilation/perfusion from standard scans (no contrast). Core products include XV LVAS and the newer CT:VQ. Revenue is intended to be per-scan SaaS + service contracts with US health systems.

• FDA 510(k) clearance (4 Sep 2025) for CT:VQ — first non-contrast V/Q imaging solution cleared in the US.

• CMS reimbursement confirmed (3 Sep 2025) — CT:VQ mapped to Category III CPT codes 0721T/0722T with US$650.50 per scan, effective immediately. That gives hospitals a payment pathway.

• Together, these de-risk US commercialization and explain the sharp price spike and new 52-week highs reported around that time.

• June QTR Cash flow report: Revenue $1.6M | OCF -$9.5M | Cash on hand: $6.9M | No debt

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

FY25 Results Season Performances

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 June, 2025
 Website: http://bigriverindustries.com.au/

The technical picture for Big River has turned positive in recent months.

I asked A.I. if there were any signs of a turnaround occurring in this company, based on the most recent half-year report (released in February). This was the response I received:

From the report, here are the positive or potentially improving indicators worth noting:

✅ Sequential improvement in EBITDA vs the prior half

• The report states:
  “EBITDA (before significant items) of $14.8m…down vs prior year but up 17.5% on 2HFY24 EBITDA, reflecting gains in gross profit and operational efficiencies.”
  This suggests the worst of the earnings decline may have passed mid-2024.

✅ Gross margin improvement vs previous half

• Gross margin improved by 76 bps over 2HFY24, driven by:
  • Better pricing discipline
  • Supplier consolidation
  • Improved sales mix
    This indicates management is actively working on margin recovery.

✅ Revenue stabilisation

• 1H FY25 revenue rose 8% compared to 2HFY24, though still down year-over-year.
  • That half-on-half recovery can be an early sign of market cycle bottoming, especially given exposure to construction materials.

✅ Positive cash flow despite net loss

• Operating cash flow was $9.1m positive despite the $17m accounting loss (driven mostly by the $20m impairment).
  • This shows that underlying cash generation is intact, which can be critical for weathering downturns.

✅ No further asset sales or dilutive capital raisings disclosed

• No equity raising in this half year, and net debt remained stable.

✅ Management commentary signals stabilisation

• The report uses language like:
  “…potentially indicating a level of market cycle stabilisation.”
  While such language is somewhat promotional, it is consistent with the revenue/EBITDA sequential uptick.

Summary of potential turnaround signals:

1. EBITDA and revenue improved compared to the preceding half.
2. Gross margin is stabilising/improving.
3. Cash flow remains positive.
4. No immediate funding crisis evident.
5. Management has taken non-cash impairment charges proactively.

Caution:

These are early, tentative signs. The structural risks remain significant:

• Debt is still high.
• The building materials cycle is volatile.
• Cash runway could shorten quickly if losses recur.
• Rebound is modest relative to the scale of the impairment.

Verdict:

Yes—there are signs that trading conditions may be stabilising, and the worst earnings pressure could be past. But it’s too early to say a sustained turnaround is underway. I would monitor the next 1–2 quarters very closely for:

• Continued gross margin improvements,
• Stable or rising EBITDA,
• Reduction in inventories and receivables,
• Confirmation of demand recovery.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Big River Industries: Turnaround Potential?

 June 16, 2025

Website: https://www.superloop.com

I asked AI to analyse the first half report of Superloop ASX:SLC and assess whether they were likely to reach, exceed or fall short of current analyst estimates. This was the result:

Based on the provided financial estimates and the interim results for Superloop for the six months ended 31 December 2024, here’s an assessment of how the company is tracking against analyst forecasts:

📊 Analyst Estimates (FY25-FY27) vs Current Performance

Revenue

• FY24A: $420.5M

• FY25E: $550M (YoY +30.8%)

• FY24 1H actual: $257.5M (YoY +33.3%)

✅ On Track: With $257.5M revenue in 1H25, Superloop is on pace to meet or slightly exceed the $550M FY25 target, assuming H2 performance remains strong.

EBITDA

• FY24A: $54.3M

• FY25E: $86.9M (YoY +60.1%)

• EBITDA margin FY24A: 12.9%

• 1H25 GM: $87.9M; OPEX: $63.6M → Est. 1H25 EBITDA ≈ $24.3M

⚠️ Slight Lag: 1H EBITDA is ~28% of the FY target. To hit $86.9M, H2 must deliver >$60M EBITDA—ambitious but potentially feasible with expected margin expansion from Origin customer base.

EBT (Normalized)

• FY24A: -$34.1M

• FY25E: $4.2M

• 1H25: EBT = -$17.0M

🟥 Behind Schedule: While significantly improved YoY, a $17M 1H loss means Superloop needs a sharp profitability swing in H2 to break even on a normalized basis.

🔍 Key Additional Metrics

1. Operating Cash Flow

• 1H25: $30.6M

• 1H24: $23.7M

✅ Positive and Improved: Operating cash flows rose 29%, indicating better cash efficiency, despite higher marketing and transaction costs.

2. EBT Comparison

• 1H25 EBT: -$17.0M

• 1H24 EBT: -$22.4M

• Improvement: $5.4M (~24%)

✅ Improving Trend: Still negative, but significantly improved YoY.

🔎 Other Notable Points

• Customer Growth: +209K (up 46%), led by the Origin Energy transition.

• Gross Margin: $87.9M (YoY +28%) — strong margin contribution from Consumer and Wholesale segments.

• Balance Sheet: $55.9M cash vs $56.0M debt; modest leverage, and revolving credit facility with $52.1M capacity still available.

📈 Conclusion: Analyst Positioning vs Reality

Trajectory Assessment:

• Revenue: On or slightly above track.

• EBITDA: Slightly behind, but attainable with H2 cost discipline and margin expansion.

• EBT: Most challenging—requires a strong swing into profitability in H2.

Verdict: Analysts appear realistically optimistic. The company is broadly on track with revenue and has made major strides in cost leverage. However, achieving EBITDA and especially EBT targets will require exceptional execution in H2 FY25.

Let me know if you’d like a revised financial forecast based on current run-rate and margin assumptions.

I then uploaded an announcement released to the market since the half-year report that would appear to me to provide more clues as to how they are progressing. I asked the AI if this announcement strengthened or weakened the above thesis:

The announcement of Superloop reaching Milestone 3 of the Origin Energy contract—with over 200,000 Origin broadband subscribers now migrated to Superloop’s network as of 13 May 2025—strengthens the outlook provided in the interim report.

🔄 Updated Assessment

Impact on Revenue & EBITDA

• This milestone confirms the full migration of the Origin customer base, which was already underway in 1H25.

• With 200,000+ Origin subscribers now active, the full run-rate revenue and margin benefits will be realized in H2 FY25, providing a meaningful uplift to both revenue and EBITDA.

✅ Revenue: Supports the view that FY25 revenue of $550M is achievable or beatable.

✅ EBITDA: Strengthens the case for a strong H2 margin contribution. Assuming favorable gross margins from this cohort, Superloop is in a better position to approach the $86.9M target—though execution and cost discipline remain key.

🟥 EBT: The milestone alone doesn’t guarantee EBT breakeven, but it materially enhances operating leverage, improving the probability of a positive swing.

🔚 Conclusion

This milestone reinforces the bullish thesis. It doesn’t change the core narrative but adds confidence to revenue and EBITDA projections, especially for H2 FY25. If cost trends remain controlled, this could help Superloop exceed EBITDA targets and close the gap on positive earnings before tax.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Pre-Results Analysis: Superloop

 June 15, 2025

Most companies report their annual results in August which is still some way away. However, we have already seen some stocks update the market as to how they are tracking relative to market and their own expectations. Let’s have a look at some of the key announcements since the start of June:

📈 Positive Updates

NextDC

Ticker: NXT | Sector: Technology | Industry: Information Technology Services | Website: https://www.nextdc.com

🧭 Overall Assessment

✅ Conclusion

This update is a clear operational upgrade and signals growing demand for NEXTDC’s AI-optimised data infrastructure. While the financial uplift won’t be felt immediately (with FY27–FY28 impact), the contracted utilisation jump and record order book point to substantial medium-term growth. It strengthens the investment case and underlines NEXTDC’s execution capabilities and positioning in a structurally growing sector.

Zip Co

Ticker: ZIP | Sector: Financial Services | Industry: Credit Services | Website: https://zip.co/au

🧭 Overall Assessment

✅ Conclusion

This is a clear and confidence-boosting upgrade. The improvement in cash EBTDA guidance—while modest in percentage terms—builds on a strong US performance and confirms sustained momentum. Zip is executing well on both growth and risk fronts, and the ongoing buyback program reinforces management’s confidence. This update should be viewed as positively reinforcing the investment case, especially for those tracking Zip’s turnaround and US expansion story.

Metcash

Ticker: MTS | Sector: Consumer Defensive | Industry: Food Distribution | Website: https://www.metcash.com

🧭 Overall Assessment

✅ Conclusion

This update should be viewed as incrementally positive. While the earnings upgrade is small, it reinforces stability in a tough environment and demonstrates strategic discipline. The Hardware division realignment signals intent to scale and streamline, which could support better margins and returns over time.

Lynch Group Holdings

Ticker: LGL | Sector: Consumer Defensive | Industry: Farm Products | Website: https://www.lynchgroup.com.au

🧭 Overall Assessment

✅ Conclusion

This is a positive update. Both Australian and Chinese operations are delivering well, with China showing signs of margin and revenue recovery. Despite minor weather-related disruptions, the group remains on track for solid growth, with no surprises in guidance and execution clearly improving. The business appears to be navigating global uncertainty effectively, and the outlook is constructively optimistic.

💼 Neutral Updates

Mass Group

Ticker: MGH | Sector: Industrials | Industry: Engineering & Construction | Website: https://www.maasgroup.com.au

🧭 Overall Assessment

✅ Conclusion

This update should be viewed as strategically positive but financially neutral. There’s no upgrade to earnings guidance, but confidence is reinforced through the reaffirmation of FY25 EBITDA and asset sale targets. MGH’s continued simplification toward a quarry-led, vertically integrated Construction Materials model aligns well with macro trends and positions the business for long-term growth. Investors looking for a steady compounder with solid infrastructure exposure will see this as a well-executed continuation of strategy.

ASX Limited

Ticker: ASX | Sector: Financial Services | Industry: Financial Data & Stock Exchanges | Website: https://www.asx.com.au

🧭 Overall Assessment

✅ Conclusion

This update is strategically positive but financially neutral. ASX reconfirms existing FY25 guidance, showing disciplined expense and capex control. However, rising costs in FY26—driven by regulatory and tech factors—could weigh on margins in the short term. The introduction of EBITDA margin as a key performance metric signals greater financial focus, while long-term tech upgrades (e.g. CHESS) show strategic alignment. Investors should view this as steady progress, but not a near-term upgrade or downgrade to the financial outlook.

📈 Negative Updates

Cochlear

Ticker: COH | Sector: Healthcare | Industry: Medical Devices | Website: https://www.cochlear.com

🧭 Overall Assessment

❌ Conclusion

This is a moderate earnings downgrade, reflecting weaker-than-expected Services revenue and a soft patch in developed markets. While implant volumes are growing, profitability is being dented by lower-margin mix and modest share loss.

The tone is measured but realistic, with Cochlear pointing to product upgrades and FY26 recovery as catalysts. For now, however, investors will likely view this as a short-term disappointment during a mid-cycle transition.

Accent Group

Ticker: AX1 | Sector: Consumer Cyclical | Industry: Apparel Retail | Website: https://www.accentgr.com.au

🧭 Overall Assessment

❌ Conclusion

This is a mild downgrade and should be viewed as modestly negative. While the decline in EBIT is not dramatic, the deterioration in like-for-like sales and margin compression points to a weak retail trading environment. Management commentary focuses on discipline rather than opportunity, and there is no suggestion of near-term improvement. Unless the macro or consumer backdrop improves quickly, FY26 could face similar pressures.

Cettire

Ticker: CTT | Sector: Consumer Cyclical | Industry: Luxury Goods | Website: https://www.cettireinvestors.com

🧭 Overall Assessment

❌ Conclusion

This update is best viewed as a mild downgrade. While headline sales are up slightly, margin pressures and weak US demand have pushed profitability to near-zero levels. The company’s strategic pivot to Emerging Markets and operational cost discipline are appropriate responses, but execution risk remains high in a volatile environment. Investors should interpret this update as defensive in tone, with Cettire signaling caution rather than growth in the near term.

IDP Education

Ticker: IEL | Sector: Consumer Defensive | Industry: Education & Training Services | Website: https://www.idp.com

🧭 Overall Assessment

❌ Conclusion

This is a clear and material downgrade. Volume drops of nearly 30% in Student Placement and 20% in Language Testing reflect a deeply challenged global environment for international education. While IDP is taking appropriate defensive actions (cost control, strategic review), it cannot offset the sector-wide contraction driven by shifting government policies.

Investors should view this as a significant near-term setback with ongoing headwinds into FY26, though the company’s scale, balance sheet, and positioning leave it well placed for long-term recovery — if and when market conditions stabilise.

Austin Engineering

Ticker ANG | Sector: Industrials | Industry: Farm & Heavy Construction Machinery | Website: https://www.austineng.com

🧭 Overall Assessment

⚖️ Conclusion

This update is mixed — a clear revenue upgrade driven by strong demand and operational expansion, offset by a moderate earnings downgrade due to underperformance in Chile. Management is acting decisively by reallocating production to relieve capacity constraints and protect margins in the future.

For investors, this should be interpreted as short-term pain for long-term gain, with solid revenue momentum and a growing order book suggesting the underlying demand trend remains very strong.

📊 Macro Themes Emerging from June Updates

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Pre-Earnings Season: Early Indications

 May 24, 2025

Uranium stocks experienced a sharp surge in U.S. markets overnight, triggered by a combination of policy momentum, geopolitical developments, and supply constraints—all aligning to reinforce the nuclear energy theme.

🔥 Key Drivers Behind the Surge

🏛️ U.S. Executive Orders on Nuclear Energy

On May 23, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders to revitalise the U.S. nuclear sector, with measures that include:

• Accelerated permitting for nuclear reactors

• Construction of reactors on federal land, including military sites

• A mandate for the NRC to issue reactor licenses within 18 months

• Strengthening domestic uranium production to reduce reliance on foreign sources, particularly Russia

🧠 Implication: These moves mark a high-level commitment to nuclear energy, with strategic implications for AI infrastructure, defence, and national energy independence.

🛑 Supply Constraints from Key Producers

Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium miner, slashed its 2025 production guidance by ~17%, citing:

• Sulfuric acid shortages

• Delays in new mine development

📉 Impact: With an already tight global supply, this shortfall raises pressure on uranium prices and intensifies the need for alternative sources.

🇷🇺 Russian Import Ban: A Major Shift

Following the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act (May 2024), the U.S. has formally banned imports of low-enriched uranium from Russia—a nation that previously supplied ~27% of U.S. enriched uranium needs.

🧭 Strategic Pivot: This forces the U.S. to rapidly build out its enrichment and conversion capacity and forge new trade channels with allies.

📈 Market Impact on Key Uranium Stocks

The confluence of these factors led to notable gains in uranium-related equities:

• Lightbridge Corp (LTBR): +42.68%

• Centrus Energy Corp (LEU): +20.46%

• Uranium Energy Corp (UEC): +24.42%

• Cameco Corp (CCJ): +11.12%

• Global X Uranium ETF (URA): +11.62% (accompanied by a surge in volume)

These movements reflect investor optimism about the sector’s prospects amid policy support and supply challenges.

🦘 Australian Market Opportunities

• Uranium interest is also playing out locally, with 3 of the top 7 most shorted stocks on the ASX being uranium companies.

• Boss Energy ASX:BOE has already had a very strong month (+52.5%).

• Momentum fuelled partly by short-covering.

• Paladin Energy ASX:PDN has lagged a long way behind in this move up?

• Short positions remain elevated; upside more restrained.

• Deep Yellow lies somewhere in between.

🧠 Observation: While U.S. names are reacting more to policy tailwinds, ASX uranium plays are seeing an overlay of speculative positioning and short interest dynamics.

🔮 Forward-Looking Considerations

⚡ Infrastructure & AI Demand

The pivot to AI data centres and defence tech will likely increase baseline electricity demand, making stable nuclear output even more critical.

🌍 Global Energy Transition

As nations pursue decarbonisation, nuclear is re-emerging as a low-emission, baseload power alternative. This secular tailwind is only gaining momentum.

🧪 Enrichment Capacity Bottlenecks

Even with rising uranium output, the Western world’s enrichment capabilities may become the real chokepoint—especially with the Russian supply now inaccessible.

⚠️ Risks to Watch

• Delays in regulatory approvals

• Project overruns and cost blowouts

• Geopolitical flare-ups that disrupt trade

• Volatility in spot prices and ETFs

🔭 What to Watch Next

• Department of Energy (DOE) updates on uranium procurement

• Cameco or Paladin operational guidance revisions

• U.S. or EU enrichment facility investments

• Next ASIC short position updates (Australia)

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Uranium Stocks Surge

📅 May 2025
🌐 Website: www.betmakers.com

FIRSTLY: A look at the BetMakers Technology ASX:BET 2024 Annual Report

Here is the forensic financial analysis of BetMakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX:BET) for FY2024.

📊 Balance Sheet

📈 Income Statement

🏛️ Governance, Disclosure & Audit

✅ Final Summary

🔴 Total Red Flags: 3
🟠 Total Amber Flags: 4

🟠 Amber & 🔴 Red Flag Overview

• Persistent Net Losses: Flat revenue with $38.7M net loss raises questions about scalability and unit economics.

• Capitalised Development Costs: Newly adopted capitalisation ($6.3M for “Next Gen”) raises concerns about consistency and comparability.

• Executive Remuneration: High equity-based awards granted despite poor shareholder returns and losses.

• Management Turnover: Recent CFO change amid restructuring adds to governance risk.

• Optimistic Outlook vs Financial Reality: “Turnaround” narrative is not yet substantiated by revenue or profit performance.

Overall, BetMakers presents a high-risk profile typical of turnaround-stage tech firms, with execution risk remaining elevated.

SECONDLY: A look at their Half-Year Report for 2025

Trend Analysis: BetMakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX:BET): Comparing FY2024 Annual Report with 1H FY2025 Interim Report

📉 Financial Deterioration Indicators

• Revenue Decline: Revenue dropped 19.4% to $41.4M in 1H FY25 (vs. $51.4M in 1H FY24), showing weakening top-line momentum and client attrition.

• Widening Losses: Net loss widened to $17.1M from $13.5M in pcp — indicating no clear path to profitability yet.

• Net Tangible Assets Per Share: Fell sharply from 8.56c (1H FY24) to 3.63c (1H FY25) — reflects significant value erosion.

• Cash Burn: Operating cash flow turned negative ($5.4M outflow vs. $2.4M inflow in 1H FY24); cash dropped from $29.3M to $20.9M in just six months.

• Related Party Borrowings Introduced: A new $3.2M related party loan at 12% interest — potentially expensive funding reflecting capital strain.

• Rising Debt: Borrowings increased from nil to $3.2M, though total liabilities stayed relatively flat.

• Accumulated Losses: Increased from $203.5M to $222.0M, pushing net assets down by ~15% in six months.

🔧 Operational Adjustments

• Cost Base Reset Continues: Employee costs down significantly ($18.4M vs $24.7M pcp); headcount reduced from 383 to 338.

• Adjusted EBITDA: Slight improvement to –$1.3M (vs –$1.4M); still negative, but impact of restructuring and margin control is starting to show.

• Capex Focused on Software: $3.8M capitalised into software development in 1H FY25; reflects ongoing reliance on intangible build-up.

• Platform Migration: Australian clients transitioned to Apollo (Next Gen) platform — expected cloud savings in 2H FY25.

• Segment Pressure: Revenue dropped in both segments: Global Betting Services (–24.6%) and Global Tote (–15.1%).

🔭 Strategic Shifts & Positive Signals

• Expansion Initiatives:

  • Bet365 launched fixed odds racing in NJ & CO — early monetisation of platform IP.

  • Contract with Sportradar post-period — global distribution leverage of AdVantage platform.

  • New launches in Asia and ADW upgrade (GTX) on track — should reduce infrastructure costs.

• Gross Margin Maintenance: 59.7% gross margin in 1H FY25 (vs. 64.4% in 1H FY24); though lower, still robust given revenue decline.

📌 Conclusion: Position Appears Eroding

Despite structural improvements and platform upgrades, BetMakers’ core financial metrics have deteriorated in 1H FY25. The topline contraction, deepening losses, dilution of tangible equity, and new high-cost related party debt reflect a weaker operational position relative to FY2024.

While some cost efficiencies are evident, the company remains in a vulnerable phase with persistent negative cash flows and a dependence on internally generated intangible assets for future growth. Execution of new strategic partnerships will be critical to stabilise and recover momentum by FY26.

THIRDLY: A look at their Third Quarter Update for year 2025.

Quarterly Progress Evaluation – Q3 FY2025: Based on: FY2024 Annual Report, 1H FY2025 Interim Report, and April 2025 Quarterly Update Presentation

📊 Performance Improvement Indicators

• Revenue Growth Resumed: Q3 FY25 revenue rose 3.7% QoQ, reversing the 19.4% YoY decline noted in 1H FY25.

• Gross Margin Recovery: Gross margin improved to 63.9% in Q3 FY25 (vs 59.7% in 1H FY25 and 57.8% in Q1 FY25), signaling cost base leverage from technology upgrades (e.g., Apollo).

• Adjusted EBITDA Turned Positive: Achieved $1.2M Adjusted EBITDA in Q3 FY25 — first meaningful positive result after multi-period losses (e.g., –$28M FY23; –$1.3M in 1H FY25).

• Positive Operating Cash Flow: Q3 FY25 generated $3.0M in operating cash flow vs a $5.4M outflow in 1H FY25.

• Annualised Cost Base Compression: Now $53.9M, down from $65.3M FY24 — supports sustained profitability if revenue stabilises or grows.

⚠️ Remaining Risks and Considerations

• Revenue Still Below Prior Year: Even with QoQ growth, revenue remains significantly below prior periods (e.g., $95M in FY23 vs annualised ~$83M now).

• Dependence on Capitalised Costs: EBITDA improvement still includes capitalised costs, which masks underlying cash burn if sustained.

• Market Confidence Lagging: Despite improving metrics, BET’s market cap and share price remain depressed, reflecting investor caution.

• Loan Still Outstanding: Related party loan ($3.2M at 12% interest) remains a risk unless repaid from ongoing positive cash flows.

📌 Conclusion: Trajectory: Improving

The Q3 FY25 results mark a genuine financial inflection point for BetMakers. For the first time in recent periods, the company posted positive adjusted EBITDA and operating cash flow. Gross margin recovery and ongoing cost reductions show that restructuring is yielding results.

However, revenue base needs to grow sustainably to confirm a turnaround, and the business remains exposed to execution risk — particularly in monetising new partnerships (e.g., Sportradar) and launching GTX platform products.

BetMakers is transitioning from erosion to potential recovery, but consistent quarterly delivery is needed to maintain credibility.

LASTLY: A look at today’s (22/05/2025) May Trading Update

Commentary on May 2025 Trading Update: In Context of FY2024, 1H FY2025, Q3 FY2025, and Strategic Developments

📈 Ongoing Positive Momentum

The May 2025 trading update confirms that BetMakers’ turnaround is gaining traction, reinforcing earlier Q3 signals of financial and operational improvement:

• April 2025 Performance:

  • Adjusted EBITDA: $0.88M for April (excluding $0.45M capitalised costs)

  • Gross Margin: 65.2% — up from 63.9% in Q3 FY25, moving closer to 70% target

  • Free Cash Flow: Positive — confirms operational cash generation is continuing

• Technology Execution:

  • Apollo Platform Uptake: Monthly bets up 50% and active users up 35% (March–Sept 2025 comparison)

  • GTX Platform: Pre-launch stage, positioned to replicate Apollo’s margin-enhancing effects in the tote segment

• Strategic Partnerships: Deployment success and collaboration with Sky Racing, along with the Sportradar partnership, are beginning to translate into real user growth and market reach.

🔎 Forensic Financial Observations

📌 Conclusion: Inflection Confirmed, Trajectory Upward

BetMakers is now showing sustained operational progress, driven by:

• Strategic product launches (Apollo, GTX)

• Margin discipline and cost base reset

• Market validation through usage metrics and partner traction

OVERALL FINAL COMMENTS

While the business still carries legacy balance sheet concerns and remains reliant on technology execution, this update reinforces the narrative that BetMakers has exited erosion phase and is now in early-stage recovery with tangible commercial traction.

FY25 results will be pivotal to confirm full-year positive cash flow and profitability trend, but based on current performance, the risk profile is improving.

Update 23/5/25 – Ord Minnett Research Report

Here is a released today from Ord Minnett in response to the latest update from BetMakers.

bet-update-ordminnett-23052025

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Deep Dive: BetMakers Technology ASX:BET

🏢 Overview: What is ASX:CBA?

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), commonly known as CommBank, is a leading Australian multinational bank headquartered in Sydney. Established in 1911, it has grown to become the largest bank in Australia by total assets and market capitalization. CBA offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including retail, business, and institutional banking, as well as wealth management, insurance, and investment services.

💼 Investment Strategy

CBA’s strategy focuses on:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Prioritizing customer needs and experiences to build long-term relationships.

• Digital Innovation: Investing in technology to enhance digital banking services and operational efficiency.

• Sustainable Growth: Emphasizing responsible lending and investment practices to support long-term financial stability.

• Risk Management: Maintaining a strong risk management framework to ensure financial resilience.

This approach aims to deliver consistent shareholder returns while adapting to evolving market conditions.

🧱 Portfolio Composition

CBA operates through several key business segments:

• Retail Banking Services: Provides personal banking products and services, including home loans, credit cards, and savings accounts.

• Business Banking: Offers financial solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises, including lending, deposits, and merchant services.

• Institutional Banking and Markets: Caters to large corporate and government clients with services like transaction banking, capital markets, and risk management.

• Wealth Management: Includes superannuation, investment, and insurance products.

• International Operations: Operates in New Zealand through its subsidiary ASB Bank and has a presence in Asia, the UK, and the US.

🌐 Geographic and Sector Diversification

While CBA’s primary market is Australia, it has diversified its operations geographically:

• New Zealand: Services provided through ASB Bank.

• Asia, UK, and US: Offers banking and financial services to support clients with international needs.

Sector-wise, CBA’s diversification spans retail banking, business banking, institutional services, wealth management, and insurance, allowing it to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations.

📈 Recent Performance

CBA has demonstrated strong financial performance, with a notable increase in share price and solid profitability metrics.

⚠️ Considerations

• Regulatory Environment: As one of Australia’s “Big Four” banks, CBA operates under stringent regulatory oversight, which can impact operational flexibility.

• Economic Conditions: Interest rate fluctuations and economic downturns can affect loan demand and asset quality.

• Technological Disruption: The rise of fintech companies presents competitive challenges, necessitating continuous innovation.

• Reputation Management: Past controversies require ongoing efforts to maintain and rebuild public trust.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Overview: Commonwealth Bank ASX:CBA

🏢 Overview: What is ASX:MQG?

Website: https://www.macquarie.com.au/

Macquarie Group Limited is a diversified global financial services firm headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Established in 1969, Macquarie operates in over 30 markets worldwide, offering services across asset management, banking, advisory, risk, and capital solutions.

💼 Investment Strategy

Macquarie’s strategy emphasizes:

• Diversification: Operating across various financial services sectors to mitigate risk.

• Global Reach: Generating approximately two-thirds of its earnings from international markets.

• Risk Management: Maintaining a strong balance sheet and conservative risk approach.

• Innovation: Investing in infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital banking solutions.

🧱 Portfolio Composition

Macquarie operates through four main business segments:

1. Macquarie Asset Management (MAM): Provides investment solutions across real assets, real estate, credit, equities, and multi-asset strategies.

2. Banking and Financial Services (BFS): Offers personal banking, wealth management, and business banking services in Australia.

3. Commodities and Global Markets (CGM): Engages in trading and hedging activities across commodities, fixed income, currencies, and equities.

4. Macquarie Capital: Specializes in advisory and capital raising services, as well as principal investments.

🌐 Geographic and Sector Diversification

Macquarie’s operations span:

• Geographies: Australia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

• Sectors: Financial services, infrastructure, energy, commodities, and technology.

This diversification allows Macquarie to capitalize on global opportunities and mitigate region-specific risks.

📈 Recent Performance

⚠️ Considerations

• Regulatory Scrutiny: Macquarie faces regulatory challenges, including recent actions by ASIC related to compliance failures in short-selling and derivatives reporting.

• Market Volatility: Earnings from market-facing businesses like CGM can be affected by global economic conditions and commodity price fluctuations.

• Strategic Divestments: The sale of its North American and European public investments business to Nomura indicates a strategic shift towards focusing on alternative assets and private markets.

⚖️ Appendix 1: Major Regulatory Actions by ASIC

1. Short Sale Reporting Failures (2009–2024)

In May 2025, ASIC initiated civil proceedings against Macquarie Securities (Australia) Limited (MSAL), alleging the misreporting of up to 1.5 billion short sale transactions over a 14-year period. These discrepancies, attributed to unresolved software errors, potentially distorted short sale volumes by an average of 12%, and in some cases by over 50%, affecting at least 321 securities. Despite self-reporting the issue in late 2022, ASIC criticized Macquarie for its inadequate response and is seeking financial penalties, with estimates suggesting fines could reach up to A$783 million.

2. Futures and OTC Derivatives Compliance Failures

In May 2025, ASIC imposed additional conditions on Macquarie Bank’s Australian financial services licence due to significant compliance failures in its futures dealing and over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives trade reporting. These issues included the misreporting of over 375,000 OTC derivative transactions and failures in detecting and preventing suspicious trading activities. ASIC’s intervention requires Macquarie to develop a remediation plan, appoint an independent expert to assess the plan’s adequacy, and ensure the effectiveness of remediation activities to prevent future occurrences.

🧭 ASIC’s Perspective and Concerns

ASIC Chairman Joe Longo has expressed deep concerns over Macquarie’s repeated compliance failures, describing the firm’s approach as exhibiting “complacency and hubris.” He emphasized that Macquarie’s inadequate remediation of long-standing issues necessitated additional licence conditions and legal action. ASIC’s actions reflect a broader concern about the firm’s risk management culture and its ability to uphold market integrity.

🏦 Macquarie’s Response

Macquarie has acknowledged the regulatory actions and stated that it has taken steps to address the identified issues, including self-reporting problems and implementing additional controls. The firm has consented to the imposed licence conditions and is cooperating with ASIC’s investigations. Macquarie asserts its commitment to compliance and is investing in programs to strengthen its systems and controls across the group.

📉 Implications for Investors

These regulatory challenges pose significant reputational and financial risks for Macquarie. Potential fines, increased compliance costs, and the need for systemic reforms could impact the firm’s profitability and operational focus. Investors should closely monitor Macquarie’s remediation efforts and any further regulatory developments that may affect the company’s performance and standing in the financial markets.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Overview: Macquarie Group ASX:MQG

🏢 Overview: What is ASX:LTR?

Website: https://www.ltresources.com.au/

Liontown Resources Limited is an Australian-based battery minerals company focused on the exploration, development, and production of lithium assets. The company’s flagship project is the Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Western Australia, which has recently commenced production.

💼 Investment Strategy

Liontown aims to become a leading supplier of battery-grade lithium to support the global energy transition. The company’s strategy includes:

• Developing Tier-1 Lithium Assets: Focusing on high-quality, long-life lithium projects like Kathleen Valley.

• Strategic Partnerships: Securing long-term offtake agreements with major players in the electric vehicle and battery sectors, including LG Energy Solution, Tesla, and Ford.

• Downstream Integration: Exploring opportunities to upgrade spodumene concentrate to higher-value lithium products through potential integrated refinery projects.

🧱 Portfolio Composition

Liontown’s key assets include:

• Kathleen Valley Lithium Project: Located in Western Australia, this project is a significant hard-rock lithium deposit. The company commenced production in July 2024 and has since shipped its first batch of lithium concentrate to China.

• Buldania Lithium Project: Also situated in Western Australia, Buldania is an early-stage lithium project with potential for future development.

🌐 Geographic and Sector Diversification

Liontown’s operations are primarily based in Western Australia, a region known for its rich mineral resources and established mining infrastructure. The company’s focus on lithium positions it within the critical minerals sector, essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions.

📈 Recent Performance

The company has recently achieved significant milestones, including the commencement of underground production and improvements in processing efficiency at Kathleen Valley.

The recent increase in share price for Liontown has corresponded with a broader upward move for the sector as indicated by the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF.

⚠️ Considerations

• Market Volatility: The lithium market has experienced price fluctuations, which can impact revenue and profitability.

• Operational Risks: As a company transitioning from development to production, Liontown faces challenges associated with ramping up operations and achieving consistent output.

• Capital Requirements: Ongoing development and expansion efforts may require additional funding, subjecting the company to financing risks.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Overview: Liontown Resources ASX:LTR

🏢 Overview: What is ASX:PDN?

Website: https://www.paladinenergy.com.au/

Paladin Energy Ltd is an Australian-based uranium production and exploration company. The company is primarily known for its 75% stake in the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) in Namibia, a significant uranium operation. Paladin also holds a diversified portfolio of uranium exploration and development assets in Australia and Canada.

💼 Investment Strategy

Paladin’s strategy focuses on:

• Restarting and ramping up production at LHM to capitalize on the growing demand for uranium.

• Diversifying its asset base through acquisitions, such as the recent purchase of Fission Uranium in Canada, to strengthen its position in key uranium markets.

• Maintaining financial flexibility to navigate the cyclical nature of the uranium market.

🧱 Portfolio Composition

Paladin’s key assets include:

• Langer Heinrich Mine (Namibia): A calcrete-type uranium deposit that resumed production in March 2024. The mine is undergoing a ramp-up phase, with plans to reach nameplate capacity by the end of 2026.

• Fission Uranium (Canada): Acquired in a $1.5 billion deal, Fission’s Patterson Lake South project adds significant resources to Paladin’s portfolio. The acquisition was approved by Canadian authorities with conditions to limit Chinese influence.

• Australian Projects: Including the Manyingee and Carley Bore projects in Western Australia and several exploration sites in Queensland.

🌐 Geographic and Sector Diversification

Paladin’s operations span:

• Africa: Langer Heinrich Mine in Namibia.

• North America: Fission Uranium’s assets in Canada.

• Australia: Exploration and development projects in Western Australia and Queensland.

This geographic diversification positions Paladin to supply uranium to various global markets, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

📈 Recent Performance

The company has experienced significant share price volatility, influenced by operational updates and broader market dynamics.

Comparing the two charts, it can be seen that Paladin has underperformed the Global X Uranium ETF.

⚠️ Considerations

• Operational Challenges: The ramp-up at LHM has faced issues, including water supply disruptions and ore grade variability, leading to revised production guidance for FY2025.

• Market Volatility: Paladin’s share price has been subject to fluctuations, reflecting both company-specific developments and uranium market trends.

• Regulatory Environment: The acquisition of Fission Uranium came with stipulations from Canadian authorities to limit Chinese influence, highlighting the geopolitical sensitivities in the uranium sector.

Disclaimer: This information is provided purely for educational purposes. It takes no account of an individual’s personal financial circumstances and hence can in no way constitute financial advice. The above data may be subject to errors or inconsistencies for which the author takes no liability. It is imperative that all investors do their own research or if they need advice, seek it from a qualified financial adviser.

Overview: Paladin Energy ASX:PDN