Australian shares finished higher on Tuesday with the ASX 200 rising 49.10 points or 0.56%, to close at 8,808.50 and notch a new 20 day high.
Mining stocks helped set the tone as investors followed Wall Street’s lead and tracked stronger commodity prices while bank shares also pushed higher.
In company news, Endeavour Group, the owner of Dan Murphy’s, BWS and ALH Hotels, reported a modest lift in first half sales but warned profitability would be weaker after stepping up discounting and promotional activity to win back customers.
The group said total sales for the 27 weeks from 30 June 2025 to 4 January 2026 rose 1.0% to A$6.682 billion.
Retail sales increased 0.3% to A$5.513 billion, with Dan Murphy’s and BWS up 0.7% to A$5.404 billion while the smaller Specialty segment fell 16.2% to A$109 million and hotel sales climbed 4.4% to A$1.169 billion.
Endeavour pointed to a stronger second quarter in its core liquor chains saying Dan Murphy’s and BWS delivered 2.2% sales growth in the quarter and posted a record December including a new daily sales record on Christmas Eve.
The company noted that the second quarter comparison was affected by supply chain disruption in the prior corresponding period, which it estimated reduced sales by about A$45 million.
While the sales momentum improved through the half, Endeavour said the push into lower shelf prices and value focused promotions would weigh on margins.
The company expects first half retail gross profit margin to be about 85 basis points lower than the prior corresponding period.
Endeavour said retail earnings before interest and tax, before significant items are expected to be A$323 million to A$328 million, down from A$370 million a year earlier.
Group earnings before interest and tax are expected to be A$555 million to A$566 million, down from A$595 million and profit before tax is expected to be A$400 million to A$411 million, down from A$437 million.
Jayne Hrdlicka, CEO of Endeavour Group, said in an announcement: “The pricing and promotional decisions we have made in our Retail business have generated positive sales results.”
The company also flagged significant items in the half year, estimating a net expense of about A$45 million before tax. Around A$40 million relates to a provision tied to one off cessation costs associated with the planned closure of the Melbourne Liquor Distribution Centre in 2028 after Woolworths Group’s decision to close the site.
Endeavour said it has entered a new 10 year contract for replacement warehouse operations at a new Victorian Distribution Centre starting in October 2027, with the reimbursement expected to be paid in September 2028.
Endeavour shares ended the session lower, closing at about A$3.70.
The company said its half year results are scheduled for 4 March 2026 and remain subject to finalisation and audit review.
