The company is the largest integrated marketing communications business in Australia with leading market positions across every sector in which it operates.

Over the last 12 months, this ASX communications stock has risen by 33%. 

In late December last year, the company acquired DailyPress.

Here's an overview of the deal.

Key acquisition 

On December 31, 2025, the company announced the completed acquisition of Daily Press, an Australian-based creative agency specialising in digital, social media and performance marketing.

The company said the total purchase consideration for Daily Press is up to $35.0 million, comprising:

• $25.0 million payable in cash on completion
• up to $8.0 million payable in deferred consideration subject to the achievement of agreed performance hurdles over the first and second 12-month periods post completion
• up to a further $2.0 million in deferred consideration (up to $1.0 million per each 12-month earnout period) based on performance against stretch targets.

IVE Group also expects the acquisition to contribute annual revenue and EBITDA of approximately $23.0 million and $5.5 million respectively.

Bell Potter's analysis 

Broker Bell Potter released a new report yesterday which included updated guidance on this ASX communications stock following the acquisition. 

The broker said the net impact on underlying EPS forecasts is upgrades of 2%, 4% and 6% in FY26, FY27 and FY28.

Following the acquisition, Bell Potter said the Balance Sheet of IVE Group remains strong and it believes the company still has capacity to make further acquisitions of up to around $30m without needing to use or raise equity and also fund the dividends. 

We also believe the Balance Sheet can support an increase in the dividend from 18c in FY26 to 20c in FY27 subject to any further acquisitions not exceeding $30m in the near term.

Price target upside 

Bell Potter has also upgraded its price target on this ASX communications stock to $3.25 (previously $3.10). 

The broker has maintained its buy recommendation. 

Based on yesterday's closing price of $2.86, this indicates an upside of 13.64%. 

We have increased the multiple we apply in our PE ratio valuation from 7.75x to 8.25x given the recent demonstrated ability of IVE to make EPS accretive acquisitions and the potential of more to come given the Balance Sheet strength.

Elsewhere, TradingView has an average analyst target of $3.10. 

This indicates approximately 8.4% upside. 

Online brokerage platform Selfwealth lists this ASX communications stock as undervalued by 14%.

The post Bell Potter just raised its price target on this ASX communications stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

IVE Group is the largest integrated marketing communications business in Australia, with leading market positions across every sector in which the company operates.

This small-cap stock has been a market beater in 2025.

It has risen more than 33% year to date.

For context, the S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (ASX: XSO) is up 16% in the same period.

However, the company provided a trading update yesterday, which was effectively a soft downgrade to FY26 guidance. 

Ive Group reported that YTD revenue has been softer than expected across the retail and media sectors, impacting IVE's catalogue business in particular. 

FY26 underlying NPAT is now expected to be at the bottom end of the previously advised $50-54m guidance range. 

Markets reacted poorly to this update, as the small-cap stock lost more than 6% yesterday. 

Following the AGM, the team at Bell Potter released fresh guidance on the ASX small-cap stock, which included a reduced price target. 

Here's what the broker had to say. 

EPS downgrades

The broker has maintained its buy recommendation on IVE Group; however, it has downgraded the underlying NPAT/EPS forecasts for FY26, FY27, and FY28 by 6%, 7%, and 7%, respectively. 

Bell Potter said it previously forecasted underlying NPAT of $54.2m, which comprised $53.4m for the core business and $0.8m for the recent acquisitions. 

Yesterday, it downgraded its core forecast to $50.2m, which is consistent with the bottom end of the range. 

Reduced share price target

Based on this guidance, the broker has downgraded the price target to $3.10 (previously $3.25). 

Our updated PT of $3.10 is an 11% premium to the share price and we maintain the BUY recommendation.

Based on yesterday's closing price of $2.81, the broker sees an estimated upside of 10.32%. 

Small-cap stock also offers generous yield 

This ASX small-cap stock could be an option for investors looking to generate passive income through healthy dividends. 

Bell Potter said IVE group has a history of paying dividends and has a payout ratio policy of between 65-75% of underlying NPAT/EPS. 

The company has, however, held the dividend steady at 18 cents recently and has said it intends to keep it at this level in FY26.

Thereafter, however, the company intends to return to a payout ratio policy of 55-65% of underlying NPAT/EPS.

The broker said the forecast dividend yield over the next three years is a healthy 6.4%, 7.1%, and 7.5% fully franked.

The post Is this small-cap stock a buy after shedding 6% yesterday? 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:

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price is down 8% to $10.11. Investors have been selling the regional bank's shares following the results of an investigation by Deloitte into suspicious activity indicative of money laundering at one of its branches. The investigation, which was initiated by the bank, concluded that deficiencies existed regarding the bank's approach to the identification, mitigation and management of money laundering (ML) and terrorism financing (TF) risk. In response, its board stated: "The Board is very disappointed with the findings and is fully committed to ensuring that the Bank undertakes the necessary enhancements to its systems, processes and frameworks to ensure it is fully compliant with its obligations."

Bougainville Copper Ltd (ASX: BOC)

The Bougainville Copper share price is down 49% to 59.5 cents. This morning, this Papua New Guinea based copper developer released an update on its Panguna Project. It has been busy progressing a confidential strategic partnering process to investigate the potential involvement of an international mining partner in the future redevelopment of the Panguna Project. However, the company has just found out that the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL). It understands that the MOU serves to establish a formal framework for collaboration on major development projects across Bougainville, including the Panguna Project.

Iress Ltd (ASX: IRE)

The Iress share price is down 5% to $9.17. This has been driven by news that the financial technology company has not received a formal takeover approach. In response to media speculation, the company said: "Iress continues to engage with multiple parties in order to ascertain whether there is a proposal which could be recommended by the Iress Board and will continue to update the market in accordance with its continuous disclosure obligations."

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

The IVE Group share price is down 5% to $2.84. Investors have been selling this marketing company's shares following the release of an update at its annual general meeting. Management advised that year to date revenue has been softer than expected across the retail and media sectors. As a result, underlying net profit after tax is now expected to be at the bottom end of its guidance range of $50 million to $54 million in FY 2026.

The post Why Bendigo Bank, Bougainville Copper, Iress, and IVE shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The broker currently has "buy" recommendations on IPD Group Ltd (ASX: IPG) and IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL). 

Let's see what it had to say following earnings season results.

IPD Group

The company is a national distributor and service provider to the Australian electrical market.

Its core focus is power distribution, power monitoring, industrial control, renewables, test and measurement, and services, across power generation, commercial, hospitality, infrastructure, and sports and leisure facilities.

The share price for this small-cap company has fallen approximately 19% over the last year. 

However Bell Potter's analysis indicates it may now be a value. 

After delivering FY25 results largely in line with expectations, the broker believes it is well positioned to capitalise on improving commercial market opportunities and increasing product demand from the data centre market.

The company's FY25 results outlined resilient performance considering the challenging commercial construction market backdrop according to Bell Potter

Data Centre sales grew 33%, comprising 16% of Group revenue in FY25 (up from 12% in FY24), offsetting weakening sales across CMI Cables (down 10.2% on the pro-forma PcP). Strengthening sales across the Mining, Infrastructure and Water / Waste Water end-markets provided additional support to deliver Group pro-forma revenue growth of 1.2%.

We believe the Commercial construction market has passed an inflection point, with growing opportunities to complement strong momentum in other, growing end-markets like Data Centres. IPG represents a relatively undervalued Industrial exposure with further re-rate potential.

The broker upgraded its target price to $5.00 (previously $4.30). 

This indicates an estimated upside of 16.28% from yesterday's closing price of $4.15. 

IVE Group

Ive Group Ltd is a diversified print and marketing communications company. 

The principal activities of the company include conceptual and creative design across print, mobile and interactive media; catalogues, the printing of magazines, marketing, and corporate communications materials and stationery and multi-channel solutions.

It has risen 28.08% in the last 12 months. 

Bell Potter noted the company's FY25 results were in line or slightly below expectations. 

Based on this, the broker downgraded its guidance. 

We have downgraded our FY26 and FY27 revenue forecasts by 1% in both periods but importantly we still forecast a return to growth in FY26. We have also downgraded our underlying NPAT forecasts by 3% and 1% and in FY26 now forecast $53.4m which is in the guidance range but near the upper end. The downgrades are driven by the adverse timing difference from new leases which is still included in underlying NPAT.

Despite this, the broker still has a "buy" recommendation and price target of $3.10. 

This indicates an upside of 19.23% from yesterday's closing price of $2.60.

The post 2 small-cap shares with buy recommendations and 16-19% upside appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you are, it could be worth checking out the two listed below that brokers rate very highly.

Here's what they are saying about them:

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

The first ASX dividend stock that analysts are tipping as a best buy is IVE Group.

Bell Potter is a fan of IVE Group, highlighting that it is Australia's largest integrated marketing communications business with leading positions across every sector in which the company operates.

The broker believes the company is well-placed to continue paying big dividends in the near term. It said:

Over the past 20 years or so has expanded organically into logistics, creative services, integrated marketing and web offset printing and through acquisition into data driven communications, retail display, premiums and merchandising, marketing automation, distribution and digital catalogues. The result is a diversified, resilient business which has supported a consistently high dividend yield and a strong Balance Sheet to pursue further growth opportunities.

As for income, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in both FY 2025 and FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $3.01, this equates to dividend yields of 6%.

Its analysts have a buy rating and $3.15 price target on its shares.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

The team at Morgans thinks that this wine giant could be an ASX dividend stock to buy right now.

While the broker acknowledges that trading conditions have been tough, it feels that this is more than priced into its shares. It explains:

TWE has released its new divisional operating model (Penfolds, Treasury Americas and Treasury Collective) and a further update on its business performance. FY25 guidance was reiterated. In FY26, TWE is targeting further earnings growth, albeit more modest than its previous targets, particularly for Treasury Americas. An up to 5% share buyback was also announced.

We have revised our forecasts. While not without risk given industry and macro headwinds, TWE's trading multiples look far too cheap (FY25/26 PE of only 13.6/12.6x) and we maintain a BUY rating. However, we recognise the stock is lacking near-term catalysts and therefore patience is required given a material rerating may take time to eventuate.

In the meantime, Morgans is forecasting partially franked dividends per share of 39.5 cents in FY 2025 and then 42.3 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $7.96, this would mean dividend yields of 5% and 5.3%, respectively.

Morgans has a buy rating and $10.25 price target on its shares.

The post Analysts name the best ASX dividend stocks to buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because Bell Potter has named its best buys for the month on its Australian equities panel. These are the shares that it believes offer attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long term.

But which dividend shares are being recommended by the broker? Here are two that make its coveted list:

Cedar Woods Properties Ltd (ASX: CWP)

Bell Potter thinks that Cedar Woods is one of the best ASX dividend shares to buy now.

It is a residential property developer that appears well-positioned to be a big winner from Australia's chronic housing shortage.

Combined with its developments, it expects this to underpin strong earnings growth in the coming years. It said:

CWP has a 35-year track record of delivering earnings and a proven management team. CWP has a substantial pipeline of residential projects amidst Australia's extreme housing shortage, record presales, and positive forward commentary from a historically conservative management team.

We are attracted to the current valuation – trading below NTA (versus a long-term average premium of +30%) and at a forward PE of 11x, which undervalues its double-digit growth profile.

As for income, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked dividends of 28 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 32 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $7.32, this represents dividend yields of 3.8% and 4.4%, respectively.

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

Another ASX dividend share that could be a best buy according to the broker is IVE Group.

It is Australia's largest integrated marketing communications business with leading positions across every sector in which the company operates.

Bell Potter believes the company is well-placed to reward shareholders with some big dividends in the near term. It recently said:

Over the past 20 years or so has expanded organically into logistics, creative services, integrated marketing and web offset printing and through acquisition into data driven communications, retail display, premiums and merchandising, marketing automation, distribution and digital catalogues. The result is a diversified, resilient business which has supported a consistently high dividend yield and a strong Balance Sheet to pursue further growth opportunities.

In respect to dividends, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked payouts of 18 cents per share in both FY 2025 and FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.85, this equates to 6.3%

The post 2 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy in July appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Wednesday following a poor night of trade on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 20 points or 0.25% higher this morning. In the United States, the Dow Jones was down 0.7%, the S&P 500 fell 0.85%, and the Nasdaq dropped 0.9%.

Oil prices jump

ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a good session after oil prices charged higher overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 4.2% to US$74.80 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is up 4.2% to US$76.43 a barrel. This was driven by concerns over an escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict.

Lithium miners on watch

Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares could have a poor session on Wednesday after investors on Wall Street sold down lithium miners. The likes of Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SQM) and Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB) both tumbled on the New York Stock Exchange as higher risk assets came under pressure.

Gold price falls

It could be a subdued session for ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) after the gold price edged lower overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is down 0.4% to US$3,404.5 an ounce. A stronger US dollar offset Middle East tensions.

Buy IVE shares

Analysts at Bell Potter think that IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL) shares are being undervalued by the market. This morning, the broker has retained its buy rating on the diversified marketing company's shares with an improved price target of $3.15. It said: "Potential catalysts include the FY25 result in August where we expect a result consistent with the upgraded guidance – if not slightly above – and positive guidance for FY26. We also believe an accretive acquisition is likely in the next six to twelve months."

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because analysts at Bell Potter have just named a couple of ASX dividend shares as best ideas for this month.

Both offer decent upside and attractive dividend yields according to the broker. Here's what its analysts are saying about them:

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a buy according to the broker is IVE Group.

It is Australia's largest integrated marketing communications business with leadership positions across every sector in which the company operates.

The broker highlights that the company has a diversified and resilient business, which it believes has positioned it to pay big dividends in the coming years. It explains:

Over the past 20 years or so has expanded organically into logistics, creative services, integrated marketing and web offset printing and through acquisition into data driven communications, retail display, premiums and merchandising, marketing automation, distribution and digital catalogues. The result is a diversified, resilient business which has supported a consistently high dividend yield and a strong Balance Sheet to pursue further growth opportunities.

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in both FY 2025 and FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.58, this equates to 7% dividend yields.

Bell Potter has a buy rating and $2.80 price target on its shares.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Another ASX dividend share that could be a buy according to the broker is Universal Store. It is a youth fashion retailer with a growing store network.

Bell Potter believes the company's valuation is attractive given its strong earnings and dividend growth outlook. It said:

Universal Store Holdings is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia. UNI will continue to increase store numbers over the next few years, supporting earnings growth of 14% p.a. over (FY25-27). Valuation looks attractive, trading on a fwd P/E of ~14x. UNI is a quality small cap (ROE ~25%) that is executing on its rollout strategy.

Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 34.6 cents in FY 2025 and then 36.6 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $7.84, this equates to dividend yields of 4.4% and 4.7%, respectively.

Bell Potter currently has a buy rating and $10.50 price target on the company's shares.

The post Broker names the best ASX dividend shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To narrow things down, let's see what brokers are recommending to clients this month.

Two that have been given the thumbs up are listed below. Here's why they could be buys:

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

Bell Potter thinks that IVE Group could be an ASX dividend stock to buy now.

IVE Group may not be a familiar name, but it has been around for a very long time. It is Australia's largest integrated marketing communications business with leading positions across every sector in which the company operates.

The team at Bell Potter believes it is well-placed to pay some big dividends in the near term. It recently said:

Over the past 20 years or so has expanded organically into logistics, creative services, integrated marketing and web offset printing and through acquisition into data driven communications, retail display, premiums and merchandising, marketing automation, distribution and digital catalogues. The result is a diversified, resilient business which has supported a consistently high dividend yield and a strong Balance Sheet to pursue further growth opportunities.

As for income, Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in both FY 2025 and FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.69, this equates to 6.7% dividend yields.

The broker has a buy rating and $2.80 price target on its shares.

Steadfast Group Ltd (ASX: SDF)

Another ASX dividend stock that could be a buy according to brokers is Steadfast.

Steadfast owns a group of insurance brokers that provide commercial insurance solutions for SME clients. The company also operates the SDF network of brokers.

The team at Goldman Sachs is feeling bullish about the company's outlook. This is due to acquisition opportunities, organic growth, and its defensive business model. It explains:

We like SDF because of the industry structure favouring insurance brokers. 1) Premium rate environment remains supportive of organic growth trends (albeit moderating); 2) Little to no exposure to underwriting risk with revenues largely dependent on premiums written; 3) An opportunity to acquire EPS accretively with unlisted acquisitions at multiples accretive to earnings (including offshore); 4) A defensive business model which is relatively resilient to economic activity; 5) Valuation appeal compared to global peers.

In respect to dividends, Goldman is forecasting fully franked payouts per share of 20 cents in FY 2025 and then 22 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $5.99, this would mean dividend yields of 3.3% and 3.7%, respectively.

Goldman has a buy rating and $6.50 price target on its shares.

The post Brokers name the ASX dividend stocks to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because analysts believe these ASX shares will be offering 7%+ dividend yields in the near term. Here's what they are predicting:

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

The first ASX dividend share that could be a top buy for income investors is GQG Partners.

It is a global investment company that manages funds on behalf of large investors. This includes pension funds, sovereign funds, wealth management firms, and financial institutions.

Goldman Sachs likes the company due to its strong investment and net flows performance, as well as its "attractive valuation vs. peers in context of very strong earnings growth."

It is also expecting some very big dividend yields. Goldman is forecasting dividends per share of 14 US cents (21.7 Australian cents) in FY 2025 and then 16 US cents (24.8 Australian cents) in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.18, this would mean dividend yields of 10% and 11.4%, respectively.

Goldman Sachs has a buy rating and $3.00 price target on its shares.

IPH Ltd (ASX: IPH)

Another ASX dividend share that analysts are tipping as a buy is IPH.

It is a leading intellectual property (IP) services company that operates across the globe under a number of brands.

Morgans is very bullish on the company due to its cheap valuation. The broker notes that "IPH's valuation is undemanding (~10.8x FY25F PE), however investor patience is required given the delivery of organic growth looks to be the catalyst for a re-rating."

As for dividends, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 35 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 36 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current IPH share price of $4.65, this will mean dividend yields of 7.5% and 7.7%, respectively.

Morgans has an add rating and $6.30 price target on its shares.

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

Finally, Bell Potter thinks IVE Group could be an ASX share to buy for income. It is Australia's largest integrated marketing communications business with leading positions across every sector in which the company operates.

Bell Potter likes the company due to its diversified and resilient business, which it believes puts it in a position to pay big dividends. It highlights that "over the past 20 years or so has expanded organically into logistics, creative services, integrated marketing and web offset printing and through acquisition into data driven communications, retail display, premiums and merchandising, marketing automation, distribution and digital catalogues. The result is a diversified, resilient business which has supported a consistently high dividend yield and a strong Balance Sheet to pursue further growth opportunities."

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in both FY 2025 and FY 2026. Based on its current share price, this equates to 7% dividend yields.

The broker has a buy rating and $2.80 price target on its shares.

The post 3 ASX shares yielding over 7% for your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because listed below are three that Bell Potter thinks are among the best to buy right now and has named on its Australian equities panel.

Here's what it is saying about them:

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

The first ASX dividend share that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is IVE Group. It is Australia's largest integrated marketing communications business with leading positions across every sector in which the company operates.

Bell Potter notes that the company has diversified and resilient business which positions it to pay big dividends. It explains:

Over the past 20 years or so has expanded organically into logistics, creative services, integrated marketing and web offset printing and through acquisition into data driven communications, retail display, premiums and merchandising, marketing automation, distribution and digital catalogues. The result is a diversified, resilient business which has supported a consistently high dividend yield and a strong Balance Sheet to pursue further growth opportunities.

The broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 18 cents per share in both FY 2025 and FY 2026. This equates to 7.3% dividend yields at current prices.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ)

Another ASX dividend share to buy could be Smartgroup. It is an industry-leading provider of employee benefits, end-to-end fleet management and software solutions with over 400,000 salary packages and 64,000 novated leases under management.

Bell Potter highlights its attractive valuation and positive growth outlook as reasons to buy. It said:

SIQ looks well priced given a forward P/E of ~12x, a defensive client base, earnings tailwinds from the Electric Car Discount Bill (exempts low or zero emission vehicles from Fringe Benefits Tax), an ROE of ~30% and a strong balance sheet.

The broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 60.8 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 64.4 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price, this will mean dividend yields of 8% and 8.5%, respectively.

Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI)

Finally, Universal Store could be a top ASX dividend share to buy. It is a leading youth focused apparel, footwear and accessories retailer in Australia.

Bell Potter likes the company due to its strong earnings growth outlook and cheap valuation. It explains:

UNI will continue to increase store numbers over the next few years, supporting earnings growth of 14% p.a. over (FY25-27). Valuation looks attractive, trading on a fwd P/E of ~14x. UNI is a quality small cap (ROE ~25%) that is executing on its rollout strategy.

As for income, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 34.6 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 36.6 cents per share in FY 2026. This equates to dividend yields of 4.5% and 4.8%, respectively.

The post 3 of the best ASX dividend shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Here's a closer look at three companies under pressure after publishing their latest financials.

These ASX All Ords shares disappointed investors

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

The creative services and marketing company is seeing its share price weaken 9.7% to $2.165 after handing down its full-year FY23 results.

Looking through the report, it's difficult to say why exactly investors are punishing this ASX All Ord share. After all, the company improved its full-year revenue by 27.5% to $967.4 million while growing its net profit after tax (NPAT) by 19.8% to $39.7 million.

Furthermore, the outlook for FY24 was fairly positive. Management noted in the presentation that "Following two consecutive years of growth on all key financial metrics (EBITDA, NPAT & EPS), the Group is well placed to deliver healthy returns to shareholders over the year ahead".

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ)

The Smartgroup share price has gone to custard today, falling 12.4% to $8.15 after sharing its half-year FY23 results with investors.

Shares in the ASX All Ords salary packaging and novated lease handler had strengthened by 44% in the six months leading up to these figures. Unfortunately, the reaction suggests the results weren't up to scratch with expectations.

For the six months ending 30 June 2023, Smartgroup posted revenue of $116.6 million — increasing a mere 3% from the prior corresponding period. The net profits after tax and amortisation (NPATA) were more dismal, declining 9% from a year ago.

Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT)

Lastly, the Perpetual share price is having a shocker today as investors refuse to stomach the wealth manager's full-year FY23 results.

At the time of writing, shares in this ASX All Ords company are down 7.3% to $23.11. The downward move takes Perpetual back into the red on its year-to-date performance after climbing out of its rut in March.

On the positive side, the wealth manager grew its assets under management to $212 billion in the 2023 financial year. In turn, operating revenue jumped 32% to $1,013.8 million.

However, net profits slumped 42% to $59 million, primarily due to one-off expenses from the company's acquisition of Pendal.

The post 3 ASX All Ords shares falling hard on results updates 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 dropping:

Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)

The Accent share price is down 5% to $1.27. This is despite there being no news out of the footwear focused retailer on Tuesday. This latest decline means the Accent share price is now down by a disappointing 49% since the start of the year. Investors appear concerned what impact a recession could have on its sales.

Bigtincan Holdings Ltd (ASX: BTH)

The Bigtincan share price is down over 4% to 55.5 cents. Investors have been selling this sales enablement software platform provider's shares despite the release of a positive business update. That update reveals that Bigtincan has successfully locked in 43% of FY 2022's annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $120.1 million through to the end of FY 2023. This compares to 31% at a similar stage a year earlier.

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel share price has continued its slide and is down 3% to $19.37. Investors have been selling this biopharmaceutical company's shares this week after they were dumped out of the ASX 200 index at the quarterly rebalance. The release of its latest strategy update has also failed to get investors excited.

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

The IVE share price is down 4% to $2.29. This morning this printing company announced the completion of an institutional placement. IVE has raised $18 million via the issue of 8 million shares at $2.25 per new share. The capital raising will preserve significant balance sheet capacity for IVE following a recent acquisition. This balance sheet strength will be used to pursue previously announced growth initiatives including further organic initiatives or acquisitions.

The post Why Accent, Bigtincan, Clinuvel, and IVE shares are dropping today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Not to spoil the surprise, but the media stocks that outperformed their peers probably aren't the ones you are expecting…

The 5 top performing ASX media shares of October

A quick note; this list only includes shares with market capitalisations of more than $100 million.

Enero Group Ltd (ASX: EGG)

The Enero share price has outperformed those of all its ASX media and communications-focused peers.

Through the month of October, it gained 30.69% to finish at $3.96.

Last month, Enero announced the September quarter had seen it with 22.6% more revenue and 50% more earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) than the same quarter of financial year 2021.

The company operates a number of brands in the communications and marketing spheres.

HT&E Ltd (ASX: HT1)

Coming in second best is HT&E, also known as Here, There & Everywhere.

The radio, audio, and digital content business saw its share price grow by 17.68% over the course of October to finish the month's final session at $1.93.  

The big news from HT&E last month was the settlement of a longstanding taxation dispute with the Australian Taxation Office.

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

The IVE Group share price had a great October on the ASX. It gained 16.23% to end the period at $1.79.

The print and marketing company's stock was boosted by news of 2 acquisitions, both expanding IVE's retail display operations.

Gtn Ltd (ASX: GTN)

The Gtn share price also outperformed many of its peers over October, gaining 14.13% to finish at 52.5 cents.

Gtn – Global Traffic Network – provides traffic reports to radio stations in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Brazil. As compensation for supplying such reports, Gtn is generally given advertising slots. It then bundles and sells the slots to other parties.

There was no word from the company to explain its stock's surge last month.

NZME Ltd (ASX: NZM)

Finally, the crown for the fifth best performing media share of the month of October goes to NZME – New Zealand Media and Entertainment.

The company operates more than 50 print, radio, and digital media brands.

The NZME share price gained 13.27% over October. It finished the month trading at $1.11.

There were a number of announcements from NZME over October.

First, it updated the market on the impacts it was facing as COVID-19-induced lockdowns continued in New Zealand. The company's advertising revenue was hit by the lockdown. However, it remained 7% higher than during the prior corresponding period. The company also provided EBITDA guidance for the 2021 calendar year.

It later completed the sale of its GrabOne business.

The post These were the 5 best performing ASX media shares in October appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This follows the release of the print communications company's business update and earnings guidance for the 2021 financial year.

At the time of writing, IVE Group shares are swapping hands for $1.38, up 11.29%.

How is IVE Group performing?

According to this morning's release, IVE Group advised ongoing business momentum is continuing its run into the second-half of 2021.

In particular, the 5-year Australian Community Media contract is expected to be fully transitioned into the business by the end of next month. It's worth around $20 million per year for IVE Group.

As well, the Spotlight Retail Group has now become a significant letterbox distribution client across Australia and New Zealand.

IVE Group's customer retention also delivered a robust performance, with healthy contract renewals. The most significant deals of note included L'Oréal and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC). The latter signed on for another 5 years with an estimated contract value of $20 million per annum.

The company revealed its other revenue sectors, such as travel, catalogues, exhibitions and events, are consistent with H1 FY21.

For the end of April, IVE Group declared a cash balance of $95.1 million. This is after the company's share buyback program ($5.2 million) and interim dividend payout ($10.3 million).

Projected net debt for the upcoming end of this financial year is anticipated to come in at between $90 million and $100 million.

Investors are seemingly upbeat about the company's performance, sending IVE Group shares significantly higher during Wednesday's session.

Outlook for FY21

In response to the impacts COVID-19 had on the business, management focused on streamlining its cost base.

As a result, underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is forecast to be in the range of $98 million to $100 million.

IVE Group share price snapshot

Over the last 12 months, IVE Group shares have lifted by more than 38%. However, year-to-date performance has gone in reverse, with the company's shares down by around 4% so far in 2021.

Based on today's share price, IVE Group has a market capitalisation of roughly $200 million, with approximately 144 million shares outstanding.

The post Why the IVE Group (ASX:IGL) share price is surging 11% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Resilient results from National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) pushed the big banks higher last week. The NAB share price gained 7.4%, while Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ASX: ANZ) rose 5.6% and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) gained 7.6%. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) saw only a 0.3% share price rise after slashing its dividend and revealing an 11.3% decline in cash profits. 

The gold price declined last week sending mining shares lower. The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price fell 10.38% over the week while the Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) share price fell 7.33%. Here, we take a look at five of the worst performing ASX shares over the last week. 

IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL)

The IVE Group share price dropped 24.34% last week to close the week at 58 cents. The share price dropped sharply on Tuesday when Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) announced it would cease distributing weekly catalogues to households. These catalogues are printed and distributed by IVE Group to approximately 7 million Australian households weekly via around 14,000 walkers nationally. IVE Group expects this will reduce its revenue by approximately $35 – $40 million per annum. The full impact of the reduction in revenue, including any potential goodwill impairment, will be revealed in full year results on 25 August 2020. 

IVE Group says it moved quickly at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic to respond to revenue volatility. These initiatives place the company in a stronger position to mitigate the impacts of revenue declines. IVE Group says it remains committed to supporting the continued strength of the printed catalogue as an important component of an integrated communications mix. 

Alacer Gold Corp (ASX: AQG) 

The Alacer Gold share price fell 14.56% last week to finish the week at $8.98. As the name suggests, Alacer is a gold producer whose cornerstone asset, the Copler Gold Mine, is located in Turkey. The mine is currently processing ore through two producing plants with 2020 production guidance of 310 – 360Koz. Alacer Gold's primary listing is on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with CDIs (CHESS Depositary Interests) trading on the ASX. 

Alacer Gold's proposed merger with SSR Mining Inc (NASDAQ: SSRM) was recently approved by the Supreme Court of Yukon. The merger of equals is expected to provide shareholders with a diversified portfolio of operating assets across four jurisdictions and enhanced trading liquidity across multiple global exchanges. Alacer is continuing targeted exploration work in other regions of Turkey with a number of highly prospective targets. 

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) 

The Pilbara Minerals share price dropped 13.41% last week to close the week at 36 cents. The share price had risen strongly the previous week, so last week's drop reversed those gains. The lithium price has remained at near record lows of late as demand remains subdued in China's lithium market. The metal is a key component of batteries used in electric vehicles, so longer term prices are tied to this market. 

Pilbara Minerals has an optimistic outlook for the price of lithium over the longer term. Post-COVID-19 stimulus packages introduced by governments in a number of jurisdictions have focused on the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. The miner believes market signalling indicates lithium prices may be approaching the bottom, with some analysts forecasting a demand surge and price turnaround in 2021. 

Ramelius Resources Limited (ASX: RMS) 

The Ramelius Resources share price fell 12.67% last week to finish the week at $1.93. The Western Australian gold producer saw the share price dive as gold prices fell. Gold hit a high of nearly $2850 per ounce in the first week of August but has since pulled back to around $2700 per ounce. Ramelius produced a record 86,517 ounces of gold in the June quarter at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,041 per ounce. This was above guidance of 65,000 – 70,000 ounces at an AISC of $1,000 – $1,100 per ounce. 

Over FY20, Ramelius Resources produced 230,426 ounces of gold at an AISC of $1,164 per ounce. Production in FY21 is expected to set a new record of between 260,000 – 280,000 ounces at an AISC of $1,230 – $1,330 per ounce. Gold production in the September quarter is expected to be between 65,000 and 70,000 ounces at an AISC of $1,250 – $1,350 per ounce. 

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR) 

The Ioneer share price dropped 12.5% last week to close the week at 10 cents. Ioneer is an emerging lithium and boron producer. The company is currently advancing its 100% owned Rhyolite Ridge project in Nevada in the United States. The aim is for the project to be in production by mid 2021, with engineering works continuing and plans and permit applications submitted to relevant authorities. 

A recent feasibility study showed compelling project economics, giving an after-tax net present value of US$1.265 billion. Total ore reserves at Rhyolite Ridge are estimated at 60.5 million metric tonnes over a 26-year mine life. Plans are for a large, long-life, low-cost operation with an all-in sustaining cash cost of US$2,510 per metric tonne. This would place the project at the bottom of the global lithium cost curve. Discussions are progressing with a range of strategic funding partners. Distribution and offtake agreements are in place which cover 100% of Ioneer's first year of production and 85% of years two and three.

The post Take a look at last week's worst performing ASX shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is down over 3% to $70.13. This decline may have been driven by one of its substantial shareholders selling down its stake. According to a notice, Lone Pine Capital sold around $35 million Afterpay shares during the month of July. Lone Pine Capital appears to have made a large profit on these sales after investing heavily near the bottom in March.

The Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) share price is down 3% to $4.20 after the release of its full year results. The annuities company posted an 8% decline in normalised net profit before tax to $507 million and a statutory loss after tax of $416 million. In FY 2021 Challenger expects to record a normalised net profit before tax in the range of $390 million to $440 million. This represents a 13.2% to 23% decline year on year.

The IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL) share price has crashed 17.5% lower to 66 cents. This morning the commercial printing company advised that Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) will be cease the distribution of its weekly catalogue. This is expected to hit IVE's revenue by approximately $35 million to $40 million per annum.

The Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) share price has plunged 21% lower to $3.85. The biotechnology company's shares have been sold off today despite there being no news out of it. This could be down to profit taking after some stellar gains over recent months. Alternatively, it could be due to nerves ahead of a meeting with the FDA later this week.

The post Why Afterpay, Challenger, IVE Group, & Mesoblast shares are dropping lower appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

All 3 are very interesting companies, and the recent fall in their share prices has increased the yield from this payment alone. Each have their challenges, but all represent medium to low level risk over the medium term. 

If you are investing for yield and want to at least protect your capital then these 3 shares are worth looking into further. In the case of future capital gains, your dividend yield will be higher based on the low purchase price. 

Small cap marketing

Ive Group Ltd (ASX: IGL) goes ex-dividend on Wednesday 11 March. It is paying $0.086. On Friday's closing share price of $1.74, this is a yield of 4.96% for this payment. 

Ive Group is a marketing company with a focus primarily on the retail sector. Listed since late 2015, Ive Group has established itself impressively in its first 4 years of financial results. Its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of absolute cash flow (not per share) is 21.6% with an impressive sales CAGR of 16.3%. 

It has an earnings yield of 12.7% and has delivered a return on capital employed (ROCE) of 15% for the past two financial years. The market has given this company a low valuation and it is very good at turning capital into profits. 

The company fell 18.8% in the first week of the sell offs and is down 19.3% since Monday 21 February.

An undervalued airline

The Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ) share price dropped by 16.4% in the week beginning 21 February due to the direct impact of the coronavirus outbreak. It continued to fall a further 9% last week. 

At Friday's closing price of $1.99, the dividend payment will yield 5.29%. Air New Zealand goes ex-dividend on Thursday 12 February. Its H1 earnings were down on the previous corresponding period due to softer cargo market and tensions in Hong Kong. They will continue to be down for most of this half due to the virus. 

Air New Zealand manages a good company with a 10 year earnings per share (EPS) CAGR of 12.6%, an earnings yield of 11.6% and an ROCE of 8%. In other words, it is a company that has moderate skill at consistently turning capital into profit and is currently selling at a cheap price.  

Neglected coal companies 

The coal industry has been pretty neglected for a long time for a variety of reasons. The result is a range of companies that are well managed regularly throwing off cash and selling at very low earnings multiples.

Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL) is the king of dividends this week, with a 7.58% yield on Friday's closing share price of $2.80. 

Yancoal is Australia's largest pure play coal company. Its share price fell only 2% with the market on 21 February. Yancoal has a very volatile share price, which is not indicative of the company's performance and is pushing into heavy headwinds with a lowering thermal coal spot price.

It has an earnings yield of 16.8%, a CAGR of absolute cash flow of 55.8% and a ROCE of around 10%. Yancoal believes maintenance in Japanese coal fired power stations will help reignite the thermal coal price. 

In my opinion, buying at this price will lock in high yields for the foreseeable future. Capital growth is likely to be slow, even though it is clearly a well managed company.

Foolish takeaway

The market sell off continues to benefit the intelligent investor who has kept cash on hand and doesn't have to sell shares. I believe these 3 companies offer investors the ability to pick up a very good interim or final dividend yield within a short period of time and the potential to either sell out again later at no capital loss or to keep these assets for their continued high yields. 

The post 3 high yield ASX shares going ex-dividend this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

IVE Group provides conceptual and creative design deliverables across print, mobile and interactive media.

Lower revenue in challenging market conditions

IVE Group reported revenue of $360.2 million for the half-year, which was a decline of 4.1% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) of 1H19.

Earnings also fell for the group, with pro forma earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) declining by 7.8% to $40.1 million.

Meanwhile, pro forma net profit after tax (NPAT) declined by 7.3% to $17.6 million, while statutory NPAT post AASB 16 came in at $12.4 million.

The group's free cash conversion to EBITDA was reported to be 67.4% during the half, as IVE commented that expenses such as paper prices and energy remain elevated but stable.

IVE declared an interim dividend of 8.6 cents per share, fully franked.

On a positive note for shareholders, the group noted it had renewed a number of key contracts during the six-month period.

Commenting on IVE's 1H20 performance, executive Cchairman Geoff Selig said:

"The business continues to execute well on our strategy. This includes consolidating the diverse businesses we operate into the one IVE brand, reaffirming the powerful value proposition we take to market."

"Our business remains robust and diversified though economic conditions were subdued in the first half which is reflected in these results," he added.

Outlook for the full year FY20

With regards to IVE Group's outlook for the remainder of FY20, the group anticipates full-year results to reflect continuing subdued customer activity in some market sectors. This is being driven by ongoing softness in revenues from the retail sector.

In light of the challenging market ahead, the company now expects to deliver full-year pro forma EBITDA in the range of $75 million to $79 million. With this, the group's gross profit margin is expected to remain stable.

IVE Group noted that its strategy moving forward remains to harness the value from the strategic investments it has made over the last 3 years. This includes its recent acquisition of Salmat Marketing Solutions and Reach Media NZ.

The post Why this ASX media share is crashing lower today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four shares that have fallen more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are sinking like stones:

The Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) share price has tumbled 6.5% lower to $15.69 despite there being no news out of the fintech star. Almost all of Australia's leading tech shares have taken a tumble today after heavy declines in the U.S. tech sector overnight. Despite today's decline Afterpay Touch's shares are still up a remarkable 266% since this time last year.

The iSentia Group Ltd (ASX: ISD) share price has fallen 4% to 36 cents. The media monitoring company's shares had risen nearly 19% over the last three trading sessions, so today's decline is likely to be a case of profit taking from traders. While its shares do look very cheap, I would suggest investors hold off an investment until there is a notable improvement in its performance.

The IVE Group Ltd (ASX: IGL) share price has dropped 4% to $2.17. The majority of this decline is attributable to the printing company's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its final 7 cents per share dividend. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to receiving this dividend in their nominated accounts on October 25.

The Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) share price has continued its poor run and is down a further 3.5% to $3.92. The shares of the communications satellite technology specialist have now fallen a massive 18% over the last two weeks or 37% since this time last month. A surprise profit downgrade not long after reaffirming its guidance has been to blame for the selloff. I would suggest investors wait for its next update before considering an investment

The post Why these 4 ASX shares are sinking lower today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.