Highlights

  • Centrepoint’s H1 FY26 normalised EBITDA rose 17% to AUD 6.2 million.
  • FY26 EBITDA guidance upgraded to AUD 11.75–12.25 million.
  • Lending aggregation business divested under strategic Astute agreement.
  • Transaction expected to add AUD 0.4 million annual EBITDA from FY27.
  • CEO says divestment sharpens focus on core advice and licence services.
  • Centrepoint ranked Australia’s number two licensee with 588 advisers.

Centrepoint Alliance Limited (ASX:CAF) shares climbed 4% to AUD 0.39 on 17 February 2026 after the company released favourable H1 FY26 financial results and announced a strategic divestment. Despite the day’s gain, the stock remains down approximately 7.14% over the past six months, while remains up by ~21.88% over the past one-year period. The update highlighted earnings growth in the first half alongside a transaction expected to enhance recurring margins from FY27.

For H1 FY26, Centrepoint reported unaudited normalised EBITDA of AUD 6.2 million, representing a 17% increase compared with H1 FY25. The uplift reflects continued operating leverage across its advice, licensee and investment segments.

With favourable first-half performance and organic growth, the company upgraded its FY26 normalised EBITDA guidance to a range of AUD 11.75 million to AUD 12.25 million, compared with its previous guidance of AUD 11.5 million to AUD 12.0 million.

As of 31 December 2025, Centrepoint supported 588 licensed advisers, positioning it as the second-largest licensee in Australia.

Strategic Divestment and Commercial Impact Remains in Focus

Centrepoint entered into a strategic agreement with Astute Financial Management Pty Ltd to divest its lending aggregation business, excluding the existing back-book revenue, which will remain with Centrepoint.

Under the arrangement, Centrepoint will retain 100% of the financial advice licence margin derived from Astute-aligned advisers operating under its Australian Financial Services Licence. Astute will receive all new-business revenue generated from the divested lending aggregation operations.

The simplified structure and revenue exchange are expected to deliver an uplift of approximately AUD 0.4 million in annual EBITDA from FY27. The company stated that the transaction strengthens margin stability and enhances long-term capital allocation discipline.

Strategic Focus and Operating Model

Following the divestment, Centrepoint will sharpen its focus on core activities including licensee services, financial advice, managed accounts and platform solutions. It will continue to operate its Lending-as-a-Service business, credit licence and salaried brokers, allowing advisers to access integrated lending solutions without maintaining a standalone aggregation platform.

The agreement formalises an existing cooperative relationship and establishes a long-term operating model between the two organisations. Both parties confirmed that advisers, brokers and clients are expected to experience no disruption during the transition.

Management Perspective on Transformation

Chief Executive Officer John Shuttleworth stated that the divestment represents a further step in Centrepoint’s strategic evolution, enabling the company to concentrate on core advice services while strengthening its recurring licence revenue base. He noted that securing the full licence margin from Astute-aligned advisers enhances earnings quality, while the revised operating model allows both organisations to focus on their respective specialisations.

FAQs

Why did Centrepoint Alliance shares rise on 17 February 2026?

The stock increased after the company reported a 17% rise in H1 FY26 normalised EBITDA and announced a strategic divestment expected to lift future earnings.

How did Centrepoint perform in H1 FY26?

Normalised EBITDA for H1 FY26 increased 17% year-on-year to AUD 6.2 million, supported by operating leverage across its core businesses.

What is the financial impact of the Astute agreement?

The transaction is expected to deliver an annual EBITDA uplift of approximately AUD 0.4 million from FY27.