Australian shares fell in early trade, with banks leading declines after disappointing results from Westpac and Bendigo Adelaide Bank. The ASX 200 dropped 0.7% after hitting a record on Friday. Financials and materials were the worst-performing sectors.
BlueScope (ASX:BSL) reported a 1H FY2025 net profit of $179.1m, down $260.2m from the prior year, as weaker steel spreads and soft demand impacted earnings. Underlying EBIT was $308.8m, with an 8.1% return on invested capital. The company is advancing key investments, including blast furnace and electric arc furnace projects, while COLORBOND® steel volumes reached record highs in Australia. Shares are trading 12.08% higher at $25.05.
Findi (ASX:FND) secured a deal with the State Bank of India for 2,293 more ATMs, adding $250-$270m in revenue over 10 years. Rothschild & Co will advise on its planned 2026 Indian IPO. A delay in the Tata Indicash acquisition has lowered FY25 revenue guidance to $68-$70m, while EBITDA remains at $30-$32m. Shares are trading 4.82% higher at $4.78.
Aruma Resources (ASX:AAJ) has identified multiple high-grade gallium anomalies at its Saltwater Project in WA’s Pilbara region. The Talmine Prospect returned assays up to 136.05g/t Ga2O3, while the Terceira Prospect hosts a drill-ready gold-arsenic-gallium anomaly. First-pass drilling will commence once approvals are secured. Shares are trading 10% higher at 1.1cents.
New Hope Corp (ASX:NHC) reported a 32.9% rise in first-half saleable coal output to 5.4Mt, with EBITDA up 21.8% to $517.3m. Bengalla cut costs by 15.9%, while New Acland’s expansion drove a 278% surge in ROM coal production. The company increased its Malabar stake to 22.97% and closed the Oakey Coal appeal. Guidance remains unchanged despite logistics challenges. Shares are trading 1.13% lower at $4.37.
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