What did Civmec report?

• Revenue of A$903.0 million, up 11.4% on FY25
• EBITDA of A$107.3 million, up 17.0% (EBITDA margin 11.9%)
• NPAT of A$52.1 million, up 22.5% (net profit margin 5.8%)
• Final dividend of 3.5 Australian cents, fully franked (total 6.0 cents for FY26)
• Order book of A$1.4 billion at 31 July 2026
• Net assets increased to A$591.2 million

What else do investors need to know?

Civmec reported strong operating cash flow before working capital movements of A$107.2 million, up 20% year on year, with increased investment in working capital supporting higher activity levels and order growth. The company's secured order book stands at A$1.4 billion, thanks to significant new contract wins, including major SMPE&I packages for Iluka Resources and the Perth Sporting and Entertainment Precinct.

The business continues to expand through early contractor involvement and pre-FEED processes, particularly across the resources, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Civmec also promoted Mark Clay as Executive General Manager, Defence, to drive growth in its defence business—now newly established as a prime contractor to the Commonwealth.

What did Civmec management say?

Chief Executive Officer Patrick Tallon said:

Our FY26 result reflects the strength of our people, our proven execution capability, and the consistent delivery we bring to every project. The establishment of Civmec Defence Industries, together with the expansion of our regional facilities in Port Hedland and Gladstone, has further broadened our capabilities and market reach. With strong contributions across all sectors, we enter FY27 with a substantial order book, strong market demand, and a robust pipeline of opportunities.

What's next for Civmec?

Civmec is entering FY27 with a sizeable order book and an active tendering pipeline across its key sectors. The business is well positioned to benefit from strong demand, with ongoing projects for major resources and energy clients and growth in public infrastructure and defence.

Management is focused on disciplined growth, pursuing opportunities across resources, energy, infrastructure, and expanding capabilities in defence and shipbuilding. Recent leadership appointments and investment in facilities are expected to support execution and further diversification.

Civmec Limited share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Civmec shares have risen 61%, outpacing the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

View Original Announcement

The post Civmec lifts FY26 profit, order book reaches $1.4bn appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The smaller we go down the market capitalisation list, the more likely it is to find an undervalued business with a long growth runway, in my opinion.

Experts from the listed investment company (LIC) WAM Research Ltd (ASX: WAX) have outlined two businesses that could be ones to watch. The LIC looks for the most compelling, undervalued growth opportunities on the ASX.

Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL)

WAM described Civmec as a founder-led, mining, construction and engineering services company based in Western Australia.

During June, the company announced its order book had reached $1.5 billion. Growth was supported by a series of new contract awards, panel agreement extensions and new orders across its resources, infrastructure, energy and maintenance activities.

Key project wins included a further package of work with Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) at the Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery and the major construction contract for Perth Park, delivered through an alliance with Seymour Whyte and Aurecon.

The investment team at WAM believes these projects provide strong earnings visibility over the next two years. Wilson Asset Management also believes that the ASX growth share is well positioned to win significant defence contracts which are expected to come to market over the next two to three years.

WAM suggested that Vicmec's ownership of strategic land at the Henderson precinct in Western Australia positions it well in tendering for these projects.

Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC)

The other ASX growth share that was highlighted in the WAM Research portfolio was plumbing supplies company Reliance, which has operations across Australia, Europe and North America.

WAM noted that during June, it announced the next stage of streamlining its manufacturing operations.

That plan includes the closure of its brass casting, forging and machining operations in Moorabbin and Braeside, Melbourne, along with additional smaller sites.

Those changes are expected to deliver a benefit to net annual operating profit (EBITDA) of approximately US$9 million across the group by the end of FY27.

WAM said the ASX growth share has suffered headwinds in recent years, including US tariffs and higher interest rates, but the investment team believe the outlook is improving as macroeconomic indicators begin to stabilise and the company resets its cost base.

In WAM's view, this positions Reliance to grow earnings into FY27 and FY28. The fund manager sees potential for a rerating in the Reliance share price as earnings momentum improves.

The post 2 ASX growth shares with strong potential to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They reckon there's upside of a minimum 28.4% to be had among the trio, with one share, admittedly a speculative buy, tipped to more than double.

Let's have a look at the companies they like.

Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL)

Shares in Civmec recently hit record highs and have delivered a return of more than 70% over the past year.

That's perhaps not a surprise, given the company's announcement last week that its order book had hit a record high of $1.5 billion.

This followed the company being awarded a further package of work by Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) at its Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery in Western Australia.

Civmec was also awarded the major construction contract for Perth Park, "Western Australia's premier entertainment and sporting precinct on the Burswood Peninsula''.

The company also said:

Civmec has recently secured a number of new awards, panel agreement extensions and new orders across its maintenance portfolio, increasing utilisation at its permanent regional facilities. The Group has also secured packages of work from long-term clients across the lithium, rare earths, critical minerals, iron ore, coal, alumina and hydrocarbons commodities, as well as manufacturing work to be delivered from its Newcastle facility.

The Morgans analyst team said they believed the Iluka and Perth Park contracts "almost entirely de-risks expectations for strong earnings growth in FY27''.

They added:

We expect Civmec to enjoy a strong 12-24 months given increased earnings certainty and an unprecedented outlook supported by capex programs across a broad range of commodities.

Morgans has a price target of $2.30 on Civmec shares compared to $1.79 currently.

IDP Education Ltd (ASX: IEL)

The Morgans team said on the downside, visa data in IDP's key markets "remains in deep contraction", with Australia, Canada, and the UK all experiencing material declines.

But on the upside, China is scaling quickly, they said, "and the group continues to demonstrate pricing power across both IELTS and Student Placement''.

IELTS is the globally recognised standard test for English language proficiency.

Morgans said they viewed IDP's earnings reset as "cyclical rather than structural".

They added:

Visa restrictions have tightened across all four key destination markets, compressing volumes materially, but underlying demand for international study remains supported by Asian demographics and IDP retains clear market leadership in both IELTS and student placement. Yield growth through the downturn speaks to genuine franchise pricing power. We see scope for earnings to stabilise and return to growth from FY27, led by the completed A$25m cost-out, China IELTS optionality and a stabilising placement backdrop as policy settings evolve.

Morgans has a price target of $3.15 on IDP shares compared to $2.11 currently.

Comet Ridge Ltd (ASX: COI)

This company recently renegotiated a deal with Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) under which it would acquire the larger company's interest in the Mahalo gas project.

The renegotiation required a smaller up-front cash payment, and also extended the completion date by three months.

The Morgans team said Comet Ridge had successfully used the uncertainty around Federal gas policy to its advantage.

They said the company was trading at a heavily discounted rate with regard to its gas holdings, and they have a price target of 27 cents on the shares compared to 12.5 cents currently, with a speculative buy rating.

The post Three ASX shares to buy right now according to Morgans appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The engineering and construction group climbed to a new record high of $1.84 during early morning trade after releasing an order book update.

At the time of writing, the Civmec share price is up 5.44%. By comparison, the S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) is hovering 0.64% lower at 8,860 points.

The move adds to a big 12 months for shareholders, with Civmec shares now up around 75% over the past year.

The stock has also gained 26% in 2026, helped by strong demand across resources, infrastructure, energy, and maintenance work.

Let's take a closer look at the release.

Order book hits record $1.5 billion

According to the announcement, recent contract wins and extensions have taken Civmec's order book to a record $1.5 billion.

The work comes from several parts of the business, including resources, infrastructure, energy, and maintenance.

Civmec said the new orders are expected to be delivered across FY27 and FY28.

Iluka and Perth Park contracts in focus

A large part of the update comes from work tied to Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) and the Perth Park project.

At Iluka's Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery in Western Australia, Civmec has secured extra structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation installation work.

The new scope builds on work Civmec was already doing at the site.

It also covers installation across key refinery process areas, with the project expected to support Iluka's move toward commissioning from CY2027.

Civmec also pointed to the Perth Park project at Burswood Peninsula.

The alliance between Civmec, Seymour Whyte, and Aurecon has now been awarded the major construction contract.

The project runs from planning and design through to construction delivery, with the precinct expected to be substantially complete in late 2027.

Civmec said only its share of the alliance contract has been included in the order book.

Foolish Takeaway

Civmec is not a stock every ASX investor will know well, but the share price run is getting harder to miss.

The company provides construction and engineering services to the energy, resources, infrastructure, marine, and defence sectors.

After its latest rise, Civmec has a market capitalisation of about $937 million. It also trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 25 times.

That means the stock is no longer trading like an overlooked small cap. But investors will now want to see how much of that order book can turn into profit.

The post This ASX stock just hit a record high. Here's why investors are buying appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

US President Donald Trump said he called off a military strike on Iran, planned for tomorrow, following appeals from Persian Gulf nations.

This has generated optimism that US-Iran negotiations might restart.

Meanwhile, let's take a look at fresh ratings on three ASX shares.

Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL)

The Civmec share price is $1.63, down 1.2% today, and up 64% over the past 12 months.

Civmec reported net profit after tax (NPAT) of $13.5 million, up 45% year over year, for 3Q FY26.

Baxter Kirk from Bell Potter has a buy rating on this ASX All Ords industrial share with a $1.90 price target. 

In a new note, Kirk said:

With a diverse $1.35b order book underpinned by increased Resources activity and defence orders, CVL is well-positioned for growth.

Further, with tendering activity increasing and the company undertaking greater ECI work, the outlook for order book growth continues to brighten.

In our view, CVL remains an attractive investment due to 1) undemanding value relative to its peers, 2) improving sector outlook, and 3) increasing defence exposure.

Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure Ltd (ASX: DBI)

The Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure share price is $5.32, up 1.3% today, and up 30% over the past year.

Mitch Belichovski from Morgans has a hold rating on this ASX 200 industrial share. 

On the The Bull this week, Belichovski said:

The share price has performed well since March as the company retains predictable and resilient cashflows.

EBITDA growth is driven by CPI-linked base charges and incremental earnings on commissioned non-expansionary capital expenditure (NECAP) projects.

DBI continues to generate long term appeal, delivering an attractive distribution yield.

In our view, it also remains a potential merger and acquisition target.

LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI)

The LGI share price is $3.52, down 0.3% on Tuesday, and up 22% over 12 months.

LGI recovers biogas from landfills and converts it to electricity and eco-friendly products.

Belichovski has a sell rating on this ASX All Ords utilities share. 

The analyst said:

While LGI provides exposure to the decarbonisation theme, the company competes with several larger entities for landfill gas amid a limited number of larger sites to support electricity generation.

The share price pull back between mid April to May 13 is primarily due to ongoing weakness in wholesale electricity prices.

Also, according to our analysis, investors are cautious about the Mugga Lane strategic growth project, which potentially poses a risk to EBITDA guidance in fiscal year 2026.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Civmec, LGI, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While ASX small-cap shares come with increased risk and volatility, many investors may still choose to monitor smaller companies with greater potential upside.

Here is what Bell Potter is predicting for these two. 

Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL)

Civmec is an Australian, multidisciplinary heavy engineering and construction company, providing integrated services to the energy, resources, infrastructure, marine and defence sectors.

Like many small-cap shares, it has experienced significant volatility in 2026, however finished last Friday 12% higher than at the start of the year. 

The company released quarterly results last week, which prompted updated guidance from Bell Potter. 

The broker noted that revenue of $244.2m was up 54.1% and reflected an ongoing uplift in activity across the company's core operating segments. 

EBITDA of $27.8m grew 44.4% YoY with the margin falling to 11.4% from 12.1% in the pcp. NPAT of $13.5m grew 45.2% YoY. 

Comparing the result to our old full year estimates implies CVL needs revenue of $232.3m in 4Q26, very achievable given the company's elevated and diverse order book of $1.3b. EBITDA margins came in ahead of our expectations which sees us upgrade our full year EBITDA margin slightly.

Following the results, Bell Potter retained its buy recommendation on this ASX small-cap along with a price target of $1.90. 

This indicates an upside potential of just over 15%. 

With a diverse $1.35b order book underpinned by increased Resources activity and defence orders, CVL is well positioned for growth.

Avita Medical Ltd (ASX: AVH)

Avita Medical is a healthcare company specialising in regenerative medicine. It is best known for its RECELL system, a burn treatment device that creates 'spray-on skin' from a patient's own skin cells within 30 minutes, avoiding or reducing the need for skin grafts.

Its share price is up just over 7% year to date. 

The company also released quarterly results last week. 

According to Bell Potter, the company reported solid 1Q26 results, with revenue rising 4% year-on-year to US$19.3m, close to its previous record quarter of US$19.4m. 

Losses improved significantly, with EBIT loss narrowing to US$8.8m from US$15.6m a year earlier.

Bell Potter expects 2Q26 revenue could set a new company record. Management said January was slower, but February and March were very strong, and momentum continued into April.

Despite this, the broker sees this ASX small-cap as close to fully valued. 

Bell Potter currently has a speculative hold recommendation and $1.20 price target, indicating just 2% upside. 

The post Are these ASX small-cap shares a buy, hold or sell according to Bell Potter? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

During afternoon trade, the ASX industrial stock jumped 6.5% to $1.64 after releasing a powerful quarterly update for the period ended 31 March 2026.

The strong reaction from investors is hardly surprising. Civmec not only delivered surging revenue and profit growth, but also unveiled a massive $1.3 billion order book that significantly strengthens earnings visibility heading into FY27 and beyond.

The rally continues what has already been a stellar run for shareholders. The ASX industrial stock is now up roughly 68% over the past 12 months. Civmec shares are dramatically outperforming the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has gained just 5% over the same period.

So, what exactly impressed the market?

Surging revenue, impressive profit growth

The biggest takeaway from the Q3 result was simple: momentum across the business remains extremely strong.

The ASX industrial stock increased revenue 54.1% year on year to $244.2 million. It's highlighting the continued strength across Civmec's engineering, construction, manufacturing, and maintenance operations. For the first nine months of FY26, total revenue climbed to $624.7 million.

Profit growth was equally impressive. EBITDA jumped 44.4% to $27.8 million for the quarter, while net profit after tax surged 68% to $13.5 million. Importantly, margins also remained resilient despite ongoing cost pressures across the industrial sector. Civmec maintained an EBITDA margin of 11.8% across the first nine months of FY26, a sign that the company continues executing projects efficiently while protecting profitability.

Broad exposure growth sectors

But the real headline-grabber was the order book. Management revealed a record $1.3 billion pipeline of secured work, up sharply from the prior year.

That matters because it gives investors far greater confidence about future revenue generation and earnings stability. Large industrial contractors often trade heavily on forward visibility, and Civmec now appears to have one of the strongest work pipelines in years.

The ASX industrial stock also continues to benefit from broad exposure across multiple growth sectors, including resources, energy, infrastructure, and, increasingly, defence. And that defence exposure is becoming a major talking point for investors.

Civmec has strong ties to Western Australia's Henderson defence precinct, which is expected to play a major role in Australia's long-term naval shipbuilding and sustainment programs. As government spending on defence infrastructure ramps up, the company could become an increasingly important beneficiary.

What next for the ASX industrial stock?

Management sounded confident about the outlook ahead, pointing to strong tendering activity and a healthy pipeline of additional opportunities.

For investors, the latest update reinforced three key themes. First, revenue and earnings momentum remain very strong. Second, the record order book significantly improves long-term earnings visibility. And third, defence work is rapidly emerging as a potentially powerful long-term growth driver for the business.

With operational momentum building and investors increasingly attracted to infrastructure and defence-linked industrials, it is easy to see why the ASX industrial stock is charging higher today.

The post Why is this ASX industrial stock charging higher today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In order to receive a dividend, you must own the ASX share before its ex-dividend date.

If you've had your eye on an ASX share for a while, and you're ready to buy, the ex-dividend date can provide a deadline to act.

Might as well buy and pick up the next dividend payment if the stock is trading at an acceptable price, right?

Alternatively, you could play a longer game, and wait for the ex-dividend date to arrive before buying the stock.

This can be a good strategy because share prices tend to fall on the ex-dividend date.

This happens because the stock is fundamentally worth less without the next dividend payment attached.

Many companies offer dividend reinvestment plans (DRPs).

DRPs allow investors to instruct the company to use their dividends to buy more shares on their behalf, instead of paying cash.

After lodging your DRP form, this process becomes automatic.

It's an easy, passive way for investors increase their shareholdings in a company over time.

And every now and then, a company will offer a discount to shareholders participating in the DRP.

Bonus!

ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

The post 14 ASX shares about to go ex-dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL)

The Civmec share price is up 7% to $1.57. Investors have been buying this construction and engineering services provider's shares after it announced a series of new contracts and extensions. Management advised that they have a combined value exceeding $400 million and reflect its success in converting a strong pipeline of opportunities. It also believes that it reinforces Civmec's strategic focus on continued early-contractor involvement, sustainable growth, and order book diversification. Among the new contracts is one from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) for the Port Debottlenecking Project 2 (PDP2) at Nelson Point, Port Hedland. Civmec's CEO, Patrick Tallon, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be entrusted with this significant package of work. We are honoured to be trusted to deliver, particularly given the location and complexity of the scope, which plays to Civmec's strengths."

Fenix Resources Ltd (ASX: FEX)

The Fenix Resources share price is up 4% to 50 cents. This follows the release of a quarterly update from the iron ore miner. Fenix reported record quarterly iron ore shipments and a strong cash build. Management believes this demonstrates the company's successful ramp up in production, consistent operational execution, and the strength of a fully integrated and scalable pit to port model. Fenix shipped 1,241,000 wet metric tonnes (wmt) during the three months. Its cash at 31 December was $78.9 million, representing an increase of $21.2 million from the end of September.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN)

The Paladin Energy share price is up 8% to $10.92. Investors have been buying Paladin Energy and other ASX uranium stocks on Monday after their US counterparts raced higher on Friday. Given how short sellers have built large positions in uranium stocks, there could be some short covering going on today, boosting their shares further.

Vulcan Steel Ltd (ASX: VSL)

The Vulcan Steel share price is up 1% to $6.95. This morning, this New Zealand based steel products company announced that Gavin Street has been appointed as its new chief executive officer, replacing Rhys Jones. Vulcan Steel advised that Rhys Jones will remain as a director on Vulcan's board and has been appointed as non-executive chair of the board.

The post Why Civmec, Fenix, Paladin Energy, and Vulcan Steel shares are pushing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The outperforming stock in question is Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL).

Shares in the construction and engineering services provider closed on Friday trading for $1.465. At the time of writing on Monday, shares are changing hands for $1.55 apiece, up 5.8%.

This follows an ASX release this morning detailing a number of new contracts and extensions Civmec has inked with companies, including industry heavyweights BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

Here's what we know.

ASX All Ords share jumps on BHP and Fortescue contracts

Investors are bidding up Civmec shares after the company revealed a series of new contracts and extensions it has recently signed with Tier-1 clients worth a combined value of more than $400 million.

As mentioned above, those companies include BHP.

The ASX All Ords share said it has secured a "significant contract" with BHP for the Port Debottlenecking Project 2 (PDP2) at Nelson Point, Port Hedland.

BHP awarded Civmec the contract to deliver the concrete and earthworks for the installation of a sixth car dumper. The car dumper is also being manufactured by Civmec at its Henderson fabrication facility.

Separately, Fortescue inked a contract with Civmec for the construction of Light Mobile Equipment and Support Mobile Equipment charger facilities and pit power infrastructure at Fortescue's Eliwana and Flying Fish mine sites.

The ASX All Ords shares stated that the deal encompasses the construction, installation, verification, and commissioning of multiple charger facilities, along with civil works and electrical integration for transportable pit power substations.

The substations are designed for modular deployment and will support the rollout of electric excavators and drills as part of Fortescue's decarbonisation goals.

What did management say?

Commenting on the PDP2 civils package with BHP that's helping boost the ASX All Ords share today, Civmec CEO Patrick Tallon said, "We are absolutely delighted to be entrusted with this significant package of work."

Tallon added:

We are honoured to be trusted to deliver, particularly given the location and complexity of the scope, which plays to Civmec's strengths.

BHP were among our earliest clients and sustaining this healthy relationship makes this award especially meaningful, a further demonstration of our capabilities, and our proven, proactive and collaborative delivery model.

Civmec expects the $400 million of new contracts and extensions to be delivered across the second half of FY 2026 and FY 2027. The company said this will build on an uplift in activity heading into the second half of the financial year.

The post Guess which ASX All Ords share is leaping higher on BHP and Fortescue contract news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, two Australian companies — Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) and Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL) — are changing that narrative.

Both have seen their share prices surge over the past year: At the time of writing, the Austal share price has more than doubled, while Civmec is up around 40% in six months. Behind those gains lies a combination of national defence spending, export growth, and expanding infrastructure projects.

Australia's strategic shipbuilder

Austal is best known as the designer and builder of advanced defence and commercial vessels. With operations in Australia, the US, the Philippines, and Vietnam, it has become one of the world's leading aluminium shipbuilders and Australia's largest defence exporter.

In FY25, Austal delivered a standout performance. Revenue rose 24% to $1.8 billion, while net profit after tax jumped more than 500% to $89.7 million. Its order book swelled to $13.1 billion, including multi-year options, and the company ended the year with more than $450 million in net cash.

A key driver has been the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement (SSA) with the Australian Government. This 20-year partnership establishes Austal as the country's strategic shipbuilder, responsible for key naval programs such as the Landing Craft Medium (LC-M) and Landing Craft Heavy (LC-H). The company is also set to construct a version of the Mogami-class General Purpose Frigate, in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Across the Pacific, Austal's US business continues to expand, supported by a US$450 million contract for submarine module manufacturing and a US$150 million investment into America's submarine industrial base.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Austal recently signed a $270 million deal to build a 130-metre "hydrogen-ready" high-speed ferry for Sweden's Gotlandsbolaget, the largest vessel in its history.

Taken together, these projects provide Austal with exceptional forward visibility, featuring multiple new manufacturing facilities under construction to increase production capacity through FY26 and beyond.

Building Australia's heavy industry backbone

While Austal is known for its ship design, Civmec is the engineering powerhouse behind some of Australia's biggest industrial and defence projects.

Headquartered in Henderson, Western Australia, Civmec operates across construction, heavy engineering, maintenance, and naval shipbuilding. Its facilities are among the largest of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

The company's Q1 FY26 results highlighted steady growth, with revenue of $190.4 million and a record order book of $1.15 billion. Its acquisition of Luerssen Australia, now renamed Civmec Defence Industries, cements its role in sovereign shipbuilding. The group is currently constructing several Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, the largest steel naval project ever undertaken in WA.

Civmec is also winning work across resources and infrastructure. Projects include Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU)'s Eneabba Rare Earths Refinery, Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)'s process water installations, and the CSBP Sodium Cyanide expansion.

With its growing involvement in low-carbon and green energy projects, Civmec sees major opportunities ahead — especially as government investment in the Henderson Defence Precinct increases. The company expects activity to accelerate in the second half of FY26, supported by a healthy pipeline of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) projects.

The bigger picture

Both companies are benefiting from a powerful global trend: an increased focus on national industrial strategy. As nations invest in defence capability and critical infrastructure, Australian firms like Austal and Civmec are finding themselves in prime position.

Neither stock comes without risk. Shipbuilding and heavy engineering are capital-intensive industries, and project delays or contract timing can impact earnings. However, the record order books and long-term government partnerships offer a solid footing for future growth.

The post These 2 ASX industrials are sailing ahead on defence demand appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Following earnings season in August, scores of ASX companies are paying out millions in dividends to shareholders.

Those participating in dividend reinvestment plans (DRPs) are receiving their new shares, typically on the same day that cash dividends are paid out.

If you'd like to receive any of the dividend payments below, you need to buy these ASX shares before their ex-dividend dates.

Each time a company announces its next dividend, investors have a typically short time period to invest anew or top up their holdings to maximise their dividend income.

Here at The Fool, we do not recommend buying shares in a company you have not researched just to get the next dividend payment.

Our stock analysts say the decision to invest should be much more considered and strategic than that, and based on fundamentals.

Many investors employ a dollar-cost averaging strategy on ex-dividend dates to reduce the average cost of their holdings over time.

These investors already own stock in the company.

They target the ex-dividend date for further purchasing because the share price tends to fall on the ex-dividend day, potentially providing an attractive buy-the-dip opportunity.

Here are 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week.

16 ASX shares with ex-dividend dates next week

The post 16 ASX shares going ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you do, then it could be worth checking out the three ASX shares listed below that Morgans rates as buys. Here's what you need to know about them:

Camplify Holdings Ltd (ASX: CHL)

Morgans remains positive on this recreational vehicles marketplace provider despite its tough time in FY 2025.

The broker has a buy rating and $1.05 price target on its shares. Commenting on the ASX share, it said:

Camplify (CHL) has released its FY25 result. As expected, it was a tougher year overall for the group given both sector-specific impacts and company-specific disruptions which saw GTV and revenue decline ~16% and 12% respectively. However, we note an improved trajectory in the 2H, along with +8% growth in future bookings (~A$23m). We make several changes across our forecast period. Our DCF/Multiples-derived price target remains unchanged at A$1.05. Buy.

Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL)

Another ASX share that Morgans is bullish on its construction and engineering company Civmec. It currently has a buy rating and $1.50 price target on its shares.

Morgans believes that the stage is set for its shares to re-rate to higher multiples in the near future. Particularly given its exposure to the defence market. It said:

The cyclical low point looks to have set in as CVL sees volumes (ex defence) picking up through 2H26, which suggests there are some large contracts that may land before the end of CY25. In shipbuilding, the Landing Craft Heavy program is similarly due to be awarded before CY25. The previously problematic OPV program is progressing well under CVL's guidance (and ownership from 1/07) and, remarkably, CVL expects to deliver a normal margin through FY26. CVL has already been able to drive efficiencies with undercover construction/modularisation and easy access, which positions it strongly to win future work from the Commonwealth. The stock is trading on 7x FY26 EBIT, with leverage to iron ore replacement works as well as defence spend, and we expect plenty of catalysts to drive a re-rate in the coming months. We upgrade to Buy.

Readytech Holdings Ltd (ASX: RDY)

Finally, this software company could be another ASX share to buy.

Although the broker was somewhat disappointed with its FY 2025 results, it still sees significant value on offer here for investors. Morgans has put a buy rating and $3.00 price target on its shares.

Commenting on Readytech, it said:

RDY's FY25 result was softer than consensus expectations, however Underlying NPATA of $17.3m was broadly in line with MorgF. FY26/27 guidance was downgraded, and implies a gradual step-up in run-rate as NRR improves (off a challenging FY25) through cloud migration in local government and delivering on its Enterprise wins/pipeline. Whilst we downgrade our EBITDA forecasts by -12.5% in FY26-FY27F reflecting revised guidance, we see the buildup into FY26 as being manageable. Our target price is reduced to $3.00/sh (prev. $3.45/sh), and we retain our BUY rating.

The post Morgans says these ASX shares are top buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL)

The Civmec share price is up over 6% to $1.20. This morning, this multi-disciplinary construction and engineering services provider announced the completion of the acquisition of Luerssen Australia from NVL Australia. Civmec's chair, James Fitzgerald, commented: "Bringing Luerssen Australia into the Civmec Group reinforces our commitment to building sovereign capability and delivering comprehensive shipbuilding solutions. We're focused on ensuring a smooth transition and continuing momentum on the OPV program. We welcome the Luerssen Australia team to CDI and look forward to working closely with the Commonwealth."

Dexus (ASX: DXS)

The Dexus share price is up almost 2% to $6.88. This may have been driven by a broker note out of Ord Minnett this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the property company's shares to an accumulate rating with a $7.20 price target. It believes that Dexus is well-positioned for solid earnings growth thanks to falling interest rates and rising asset values.

James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX)

The James Hardie share price is up almost 5% to $42.65. Investors have been buying this building products company's shares after it completed the acquisition of The Azek Company. James Hardie has paid the equivalent of US$8.4 billion to acquire Azek through a combination of cash and scrip. Commenting on the acquisition, James Hardie's CEO, Aaron Erter, said: "Together, we are a stronger team and have never been better positioned to serve our customers and create value for all our stakeholders. As a combined organization, our purpose of Building a Better Future for All will drive our continued success as a leading provider of exterior home and outdoor living solutions."

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is up 6% to $9.24. This appears to have been driven by the release of a broker note out of UBS this morning. The broker has been busy updating its earnings estimates for Australian fund managers. In response, UBS has retained its buy rating on Magellan's shares with an improved price target of $9.50. Though, there's now only modest upside of 2.8% for investors based on this price target.

The post Why Civmec, Dexus, James Hardie, and Magellan shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

The AMP share price is down 15% to $1.49. Investors have been selling the financial services company's shares following the release of its full year results. AMP reported a 15.1% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $236 million for FY 2024. This was driven by strong profit growth from its Platforms, Superannuation & Investments, and New Zealand businesses, which was partially offset by a 22.6% decline in AMP Bank profits. On a statutory basis, AMP reported a 43.4% decline in profit to $150 million. This statutory result includes AMP's business simplification spend and the loss it incurred on the sale of its Advice business.

Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL)

The Civmec share price is down 11% to $1.08. This morning, this engineering services provider released its half year results and reported a 2.2% increase in revenue to $502.9 million but a 16.9% decline in net profit after tax to $26.5 million. Margin pressures weighed on its profitability during the six months.

Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)

The Cochlear share price is down almost 14% to $262.90. The catalyst for this has been the release of the hearing solutions company's half year results. Cochlear reported a 5% increase in sales revenue to $1.17 billion and a 7% increase in underlying net profit to $206 million. While a solid result on paper, the market appears disappointed that management is now only guiding to the low end of its profit guidance range for FY 2025. It advised that this is due to a weaker Services contribution and increased cloud-related investment.

LGI Ltd (ASX: LGI)

The LGI share price is down 3% to $2.90. This morning, this biogas company released its half year results and reported a 7% increase in revenue to $16.9 million but a 22% decline in statutory net profit to $2.4 million. Looking ahead, management advised that it continues to expect its FY 2025 underlying EBITDA to grow by 12% to 15% versus FY 2024. Given that underlying EBITDA grew 3% during the first half, this implies a major uptick in its performance in the second half.

The post Why AMP, Civmec, Cochlear, and LGI shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Although many of the biggest dividend payers have already doled out their latest payouts following August and September's earnings season here on the ASX, a trickle of ASX All Ords shares that are trading ex-dividend for upcoming shareholder payments coming through.

Investors have enjoyed a relatively successful dividend season over the back half of 2024 so far. Sure, there were relatively lower payouts coming out of the big mining stocks like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG). Energy shares like Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) have also tended to deliver less dividend income in 2024 than they did in 2023.

But those laggards have been more than offset by dividend hikes from the likes of Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA). Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)'s chunky special dividend was also undoubtedly welcomed by shareholders.

But today, let's discuss eight ASX All Ords shares that haven't doled out their latest payments just yet but that will trade ex-dividend next week.

Remember, an ex-dividend date always precedes a dividend payment. Only those shareholders that have a company's shares to their name at the close of the last trading day before the ex-dividend date are eligible to receive the dividend in question.

So if you wish to receive any of the dividends from the shares below, you know what you need to do.

Eight ASX All Ords income shares trading ex-dividend next week

*Dividend yield at the time of writing

Foolish takeaway

Some interesting names are trading ex-dividend next week. Some are well-known, others less so. Of particular note is the final dividend from investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson.

As my Fool colleague discussed just yesterday, this latest dividend from Soul Patts marks the 24th year in a row of annual dividend increases from the company – an ASX All Ords record.

The post 8 ASX All Ords shares that will trade ex-dividend next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Could these falls be a good buying opportunity for quick-moving investors? Let's look at possible reasons for Fortescue's pullback, opportunities in iron ore this year, and whether now is the right time to pick up some FMG shares.

How has the Fortescue share price performed this year?

Like many Aussie resource companies, Fortescue's share price suffered in late July and early August. This could be put down to several factors. The iron ore price fell from US$117.14 per tonne on 30 July to US$93.61 on 9 August. Meanwhile, the company's June quarterly production report, released 25 July, included record quarterly shipments of 46.6 million tonnes of iron ore, and a 60 cent June dividend, bringing the total financial year dividend to 90 cents per share. This met forecasts but failed to exceed them, which it seems investors expected. Finally, the plummeting value of China's yuan hit all the Aussie miners in early August, FMG included.

From the high of $9.40 on 3 July, Fortescue shares fell as low as $6.97 on 12 August.

Since then the share price has bounced. On 13 August, Civmec Ltd (ASX: CVL) announced that they will deliver a Primary Ore Crushing and Processing Facility for Fortescue's new Eliwana Mine and Rail Project, in the Pilbara, Western Australia, thus moving that project forward. FMG's share price rose from the 12 August low of $6.97 to Wednesday's close of $7.27.

Monday also saw the announcement that Capital Group Companies, a US investment management organisation with US$1.86 trillion in funds under management, had become a substantial shareholder in Fortescue. The entry of such a massive institutional investor into the company may lend some substance to the idea that the recent price falls could represent a good opportunity to buy.

Outlook for iron ore

Much will depend from here on the health of the iron ore price. Since 2017, Fortescue has been making efforts to diversify into copper, gold, lithium and other resources. However, iron ore remains the company's lifeblood. Fortescue's share price often rises or falls based on expectations for iron ore. With BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) admitting this week that some of its Pilbara iron ore shipments were lower grade than had been forecast, and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) having run into similar issues weeks earlier, FMG could benefit.

With the iron ore price itself still tied so closely to the health of China's economy, this means that FMG is also dependent on China's performance, and on the stability of China's trade relationships with the rest of the world.

So, is Fortescue a buy?

FMG has a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio of 17.51x, compared to its larger rivals BHP and Rio Tinto. Its dividend yield is only 3.6%, though it's worth noting that recent dividends have been significantly higher than is usual for the company. This could be a hopeful sign for income investors, but anyone buying FMG today is likely betting on future growth.

The company's full year financial results are due to be released on Monday 26 August. Doubtless more of the world's big institutional investors will be watching closely. If the recent record production numbers have translated into financial results higher than expectations, we could see FMG's recent share price falls quickly reversed next week.

The post Should you buy Fortescue shares on this week's dip? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.