ASX Issues Fiscal Year 2027 Expense Growth Guidance, Raises Capex Outlook; Shares Fall 12%
ASX (ASX:ASX) said it expects fiscal year 2027 expenses to grow between 18% and 21% from fiscal year 2026, while operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization are forecast to rise 13% to 16%, according to a Tuesday filing with the Australian bourse.The company said the forecast for higher expenses is mainly driven by technology modernization, and changes it is making in response to an inquiry by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission that flagged certain governance and risk management failures.ASX increased its fiscal year 2027 capital expenditure guidance to between AU$180 million and AU$200 million from a previous range of AU$160 million to AU$180 million, primarily driven by technology cost inflation and new product development. The company also disclosed fiscal year 2028 capital expenditure guidance of between AU$170 million and AU$190 million.Additionally, ASX adjusted its medium-term target range for underlying return on equity to between 12% and 14% from a previous target of 12.5% to 14%. The company kept its dividend policy intact with a payout ratio range of 75% to 85% of underlying net profit after tax.Meanwhile, the stock exchange operator struck a deal to sell its 49% stake in Sympli to its joint venture partner, ATI Group, for a nominal amount. The sale will result in an after-tax loss of about AU$12 million in fiscal year 2026.ASX shares fell 12% in recent Tuesday trade.