ASX increases FY27 capex guidance to $180M-$200M

ASX has updated its capital expenditure guidance for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, while leaving its FY26 forecasts unchanged. The exchange now projects FY27 total expense growth of 18% to 21%, with operating expense growth, excluding depreciation and amortization, expected to be 13% to 16%. This increase is attributed to technology modernization, an expanded Accelerate Program in response to the ASIC Inquiry, and investments for customer-driven growth.

The company raised its FY27 capex guidance to a range of $180 million to $200 million, up from a prior forecast of $160 million to $180 million, citing technology cost inflation and new product development. For FY28, capex is forecast between $170 million and $190 million. ASX's dividend policy remains steady, targeting a payout ratio of 75% to 85% of underlying net profit after tax, with expectations to pay at the lower end of that range for the next two dividends.

In a separate transaction, ASX has agreed to sell its 49% stake in Sympli to joint venture partner ATI Group for a nominal sum. This sale will result in an approximate $12 million after-tax loss, to be recorded as a significant item in FY26. Upon completion, ASX will cease to recognize its share of Sympli's operating losses, which were $4.4 million after tax in the first half of FY26. A pre-tax payment of $21 million for the CHESS Replacement Partnership Program will also be recognized as a significant item in FY26. The exchange is scheduled to release its full FY26 results on August 13, 2026.