Top ASX companies offering good quality dividend stocks with a nearby ex date are
Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)
Share price -$3.250
Annual dividend yield - 5.03%
Dividend Pay date - 26 March 2025
Dividend amount per share $0.092
Franking - 60%
Dividend ex date - 3 March2025
Market cap $5.81B
As of 26 Feb 2025
Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) reported solid 1HFY2025 results, with network and coal divisions broadly in line with expectations. Network earnings saw an uplift due to higher regulated revenue, though this was partly offset by reduced external construction work and increased maintenance costs. Volumes rose by 3% compared to the prior year, and a significant regulatory initiative, the Daily Rolling Plan, received industry endorsement after a successful trial. The company also focused on maintenance spend for FY2025, with targeted corridor drainage programs, as well as addressing the expiring UT5 undertaking, engaging with stakeholders for a new draft access plan by FY2026.
In the coal sector, higher volumes and contract rate indexation were partially offset by a customer mix change (lower yield) and rising operating costs. Volumes grew by 6%, but yield normalization and a 5% increase in operating costs per NTK impacted profitability. However, a higher contract utilisation rate of 84% was achieved, though still below historical levels. Additionally, the TrainGuard system, operational on key rail lines, is expected to extend to branch lines by FY2025. For FY2026, coal operating costs are expected to be stable, with a reduction in workforce attrition planned.
key financials highlighted revenue growth from coal volumes and legal matter settlements, with operating costs rising due to volume growth and higher maintenance. Free cash flow improved by 23%, reaching $186 million. An interim dividend of 9.2c per share, 60% franked, was declared, representing 80% of underlying NPAT for 1HFY2025. Shareholders can expect the ex-dividend date on March 3, 2025, with the payment date set for March 26, 2025. The company is also focusing on cost optimization initiatives and ongoing reviews of its capital and Network ownership structures in 2025.
Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT)
Share price -$4.230
Annual dividend yield - 4.70%
Dividend Pay date - 7 April 2025
Dividend amount per share $0.106
Franking - 80%
Dividend ex date - 27 Feb 2025
Market cap $3.63B
As of 26 Feb 2025
Ventia Services Group Ltd (ASX: VNT) reported strong financial results for FY24, with a 12.8% increase in NPATA, reaching $227.9 million. The company achieved a revenue of $6.1 billion, up by 7.6%, and an EBITDA of $499.3 million, reflecting a 7.3% growth with a margin of 8.2%. The work in hand grew by 6.7% to $19.4 billion, demonstrating ongoing demand for Ventia's essential services. Additionally, earnings per share grew by 16.0%, and operating cash flow conversion remained solid at 91.4%. Ventia also declared a final dividend of 10.63 cents per share, contributing to a total dividend of 19.98 cents for the year, with 80% franked. The dividend payout ratio stood at 75% of NPATA and will be payable on April 7, 2025.
For FY25, Ventia has provided guidance for underlying NPATA growth of 7-10% compared to FY24. This optimistic outlook is supported by the company’s diverse portfolio and a strong pipeline of opportunities across various sectors, including telecommunications, infrastructure, and defence. Despite some delays in the Transport sector, Ventia secured key contracts, such as a $564 million Defence Firefighting Services deal and a $570 million Homes NSW contract, contributing to its sector performance. The telecommunications segment experienced significant growth, with revenue increasing by 14.6%, driven by major wins like a $2 billion Telstra agreement.
Ventia also announced an on-market buyback of up to $100 million, set to begin in March 2025. This decision highlights the company's robust capital position and its ability to balance shareholder returns with growth opportunities. The company successfully refinanced its debt facilities in November 2024, improving flexibility and extending the average maturity of its debt from 1.9 to 4.9 years. With a commitment to maintaining an investment-grade credit rating, Ventia remains confident in its ability to drive business growth and deliver sustained value to stakeholders.
Source: Company’s Report
Veye Pty Ltd(ABN 58 623 120 865), holds (AFSL No. 523157 ). All information provided by Veye Pty Ltd through its website, reports, and newsletters is general financial product advice only and should not be considered a personal recommendation to buy or sell any asset or security. Before acting on the advice, you should consider whether it’s appropriate to you, in light of your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should look at the Product Disclosure Statement or other offer document associated with the security or product before making a decision on acquiring the security or product. You can refer to our Terms & Conditions and Financial Services Guide for more information. Any recommendation contained herein may not be suitable for all investors as it does not take into account your personal financial needs or investment objectives. Although Veye takes the utmost care to ensure accuracy of the content and that the information is gathered and processed from reliable resources, we strongly recommend that you seek professional advice from your financial advisor or stockbroker before making any investment decision based on any of our recommendations. All the information we share represents our views on the date of publishing as stocks are subject to real time changes and therefore may change without notice. Please remember that investments can go up and down and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future returns. We request our readers not to interpret our reports as direct recommendations. To the extent permitted by law, Veye Pty Ltd excludes all liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website and any information published (including any indirect or consequential loss, any data loss, or data corruption) (as mentioned on the website www.veye.com.au), and confirms that the employees and/or associates of Veye Pty Ltd do not hold positions in any of the financial products covered on the website on the date of publishing this report. Veye Pty Ltd hereby limits its liability, to the extent permitted by law to the resupply of services.
