The S&P/ASX 200 index closed the week lower, giving up the 9,000 level as markets picked through corporate earnings and looks ahead to a series of ex-dividend dates. The index finished at 8,973.10 points, a decline of 0.79% for the week.
Leaders on the day
Among the top performers, NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) experienced a significant surge, climbing 17.44% to $16.50. This followed the release of its FY 2025 results, which showed a 14% increase in net revenue to $350.2 million, slightly above its guidance. Underlying EBITDA rose by 6% to $216.7 million, aligning with the upper end of expectations. The company anticipates further EBITDA growth of 6% to 11% in FY 2026.
Austal Ltd (ASX: ASB) also posted substantial gains, with its stock price rising 15.11% to $7.77. The shipbuilder reported a net profit after tax of $89.7 million for FY 2025, exceeding consensus estimates. CEO Paddy Gregg highlighted the company’s transformation and strong financial performance, noting a significant cash position to support manufacturing expansion. “Austal has undergone a significant transformation, and this is reflected in our strong financial performance,” Gregg stated.
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Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) increased by 11.49% to $6.89, while Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE) rose 9.46% to $27.65, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) advanced 7.83% to $7.85, and Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) gained 6.52% to $2.45.
Moving Lower
At the other end of the scale, Mesoblast Ltd (ASX: MSB) was among the leading decliners, falling 9.92% to $2.18. Pexa Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) also saw a significant drop, declining 9.34% to $15.34 after reporting a larger-than-expected statutory loss in its FY 2025 earnings report. Despite revenue growth, the net loss was impacted by impairments and derecognition of deferred tax assets.
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) decreased by 5.84% to $13.87, and Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) fell 4.42% to $4.54.
Ex-Dividend’s Approaching
There are various Aussie companies set to go ex-dividend in the coming week, with a few notable picked out here.
Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM), Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN), and Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) will all go ex-dividend on September 3. Amcor Ltd (ASX: AMC) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) will follow on September 4.
These dividend distributions could influence share prices as markets adjust positions to capture the payouts.
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