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Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (AU:SIQ)
ASX:SIQ

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (SIQ) AI Stock Analysis

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AU:SIQ

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd

(Sydney:SIQ)

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Outperform 75 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:75Outperform
Price Target:
AU$10.00
▲(11.23% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/28/26
The score is driven primarily by strong underlying financial performance and a constructive earnings-call outlook (solid growth, high margins, strong cash conversion and continued dividends), supported by an attractive yield with a moderate P/E. The main offsets are cash-flow volatility, rising leverage over time, and only moderate technical momentum (slightly negative MACD and investment-driven near-term margin pressure).
Positive Factors
High and Durable Profitability
Sustained high EBITDA margins (~40%+) indicate structural operating leverage in Smartgroup’s administration and leasing model. Persistent mid‑40s margin ambition and demonstrated margin expansion imply strong unit economics and long‑term profitability resilience across cycles.
Scale and Market Position
Rapid growth in active packages and leases shows expanding distribution and sticky customer relationships through employer channels. Scale raises barriers to entry, improves unit economics, and supports cross‑sell opportunities that underpin durable revenue growth and competitive advantage.
Strong Cash Generation and Conservative Net Debt
Consistent cash conversion above 100% and low reported net leverage provide financial flexibility to fund technology investment, dividends and bolt‑on initiatives. High cash conversion signals earnings quality and supports sustained capital returns without overly stressing the balance sheet.
Negative Factors
Rising Leverage Trend
A multi‑year increase in leverage reduces balance sheet flexibility and heightens sensitivity to adverse shocks. If economic or demand conditions soften, elevated debt levels could constrain investment, increase financing costs, and limit the firm's ability to deploy capital conservatively over the medium term.
Free Cash Flow Volatility
Large swings in free cash flow, despite supportive operating cash, indicate working capital or investment timing risks. Volatility can impair predictable reinvestment, dividend sustainability or buyback capacity, making capital allocation outcomes more uncertain over the next several quarters.
Policy-Driven Demand Exposure
Meaningful exposure to government EV incentives creates structural demand risk for novated leasing volumes and associated margins. Policy reversals or extended reviews can depress order flows and increase revenue variability, challenging medium‑term planning and margin targets in vehicle financing segments.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (SIQ) vs. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA)

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSmartgroup Corporation Ltd provides employee management services in Australia. It operates through Outsourced Administration (OA); Vehicle Services (VS); and Software, Distribution, and Group Services (SDGS) segments. The OA segment offers outsourced salary packaging services, novated leasing, and outsourced payroll services. The VS segment provides end-to-end fleet management services. The SDGS segment offers salary packaging software solutions; markets salary packaging debit cards; and distributes vehicle insurances and workforce management software to the healthcare industry. It serves community and charity workers in not-for-profit organizations; teachers, administrators, and support personnel in the education industry; nurses, clinicians, and auxiliary staff in the health industry; government sector; and corporate organizations. Smartgroup Corporation Ltd was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.
How the Company Makes MoneySmartgroup generates revenue primarily through its salary packaging and novated leasing services. The company charges employers and employees a fee for managing these services, which includes administrative costs and service fees. Additionally, Smartgroup earns revenue from fleet management services, where it oversees the procurement and maintenance of vehicles for clients. The company also benefits from partnerships with various organizations, allowing them to expand their service offerings and client base. Significant factors contributing to its earnings include the growing demand for employee benefits programs, increased awareness of salary packaging advantages, and strategic collaborations with other businesses in the human resources sector.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 26, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Aug 26, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presents a broadly positive picture: strong top-line growth, meaningful EBITDA and NPATA expansion, robust cash generation, record customer and fleet metrics, and clear strategic progress (digital transformation, partnerships and operational efficiency). Most negative points are manageable and investment-driven — a planned ramp of technology and automation in 2026 that will weigh on near-term margins, a sharp decline in PHEV orders after a government incentive ended (with policy review uncertainty), and increased D&A and non-staff spending tied to growth and modernization. On balance, the company shows scalable growth, a conservative balance sheet, and constructive capital returns, making the overall tone optimistic despite short-term execution and policy risks.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth
Revenue increased 8% year-on-year to $329.3 million in FY2025, driven by higher novated leasing volumes and new client wins.
Strong EBITDA Expansion
EBITDA rose 14% to $135.3 million with an EBITDA margin of 41%, up 2 percentage points on the prior corresponding period.
NPATA and ROE Improvement
NPATA increased 11% to $80.2 million and return on equity improved to 30% (up 1.2 percentage points year-on-year).
Record Customer and Fleet Numbers
Active salary packages grew 10% to 491,000; novated leases under management increased 15% to 85,300; fleet-managed vehicles rose 9% to 35,200.
Novated Leasing Demand
New lease vehicle orders were up 13% and total settlements (new, used, refinanced) rose 7% year-on-year; delivery lead times improved to an average of 35 days.
EV Adoption Acceleration
Battery electric vehicle new orders grew 49% year-on-year while ICE new vehicle orders increased 4%, reflecting broad-based demand across vehicle types.
Operational Efficiency Gains
Customers per operations FTE improved 16% to 1,645, demonstrating rising productivity and platform scalability.
Strong Cash Generation and Balance Sheet
Cash conversion was 122% of NPATA; net debt was $38.1 million with leverage of 0.3x, supporting dividends and investment capability.
Shareholder Returns
Board declared a final fully franked dividend of $0.215 and a fully franked special dividend of $0.12; together with the $0.195 interim, total fully franked dividends were $0.53 per share (representing 90% of 2025 NPATA and up 9% vs 2024).
Strategic Progress and Scale Outcomes
Since announcing strategic priorities, revenue grew 31%, EBITDA increased 35%, and NPATA rose 27% over two years; eligible employee base expanded by ~300,000 (14% growth 2023–2025).
Digital and Partnership Milestones
Launched smart.com.au which reached 3 million users since late 2024; new digital salary packaging sign-up journey delivered; partnerships expanded (BMW Financial Services, Qantas, Volkswagen Financial Services Australia) to broaden distribution and fleet funding.
Sustainability and Inclusion Recognition
Ranked in the 85th percentile globally in the S&P Global Sustainability Assessment and retained Diversity Council Australia inclusive employer citation; released 2025 Impact Report and new 2028 sustainability strategy.
Negative Updates
Policy-Driven PHEV Volume Volatility
New orders for plug-in hybrids declined 31% year-on-year following the federal government electric car discount policy ending on 31 March 2025; the policy review underway creates uncertainty for future PHEV demand and potential margin impacts.
Near-Term Investment Drag on Margins
2026 is expected to be a significant year of technology investment and change delivery to achieve mid-40s EBITDA margin in 2027, implying near-term cost and implementation impacts on margins.
Rising Depreciation and Non-Staff Costs
Depreciation and amortization increased 40% in 2025, largely due to capitalized IT development; non-staff costs rose 12%, driven by marketing, lead generation and technology investments.
Half-on-Half Order Variability
There was a modest half-on-half decline in new lease vehicle orders (2% drop H2 vs H1) although volumes remain up year-on-year; indicates some short-term variability in demand.
High Payout in 2025
Total dividends of $0.53 per share represent 90% of 2025 NPATA (above the stated 60–70% policy range), which could constrain retained capital for reinvestment if repeated.
Short-Term Visibility Limits
Management declined to provide February trading details and highlighted dependency on government policy outcomes, reflecting some short-term visibility risk.
Company Guidance
The company guided to an EBITDA margin target in the mid‑40s by 2027, driven by continued digital modernization, automation and AI investments, with 2026 technology CapEx budgeted at $11–13m (c.3–4% of 2025 revenue) and capitalized IT development of $12.6m in 2025; Smartgroup reaffirmed its capital allocation policy to pay fully franked dividends of 60–70% of NPATA (and return excess capital via specials or buybacks), having declared total 2025 fully franked dividends of $0.53 per share (90% of 2025 NPATA); it highlighted a conservative balance sheet (net debt $38.1m, 0.3x leverage), strong cash conversion (122% of NPATA) and the 2025 financial base (revenue $329.3m, net revenue $318m, EBITDA $135.3m at a 41% margin, NPATA $80.2m, ROE 30%) as the platform to achieve those targets.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong profitability and returns underpin the profile (consistently high margins and solid ROE), but the balance sheet shows a multi-year leverage increase and cash flow is less consistent, highlighted by a sharp free-cash-flow decline in 2025.
Income Statement
84
Very Positive
Revenue has grown steadily from 2021–2025, accelerating in 2025 (up ~4.1% year over year after ~0.2% in 2024). Profitability is a key strength: net margins have been consistently strong around the mid‑20% range, and operating profitability remains high with EBITDA margin staying roughly ~40%+. A watch-out is some variability in gross margin (notably an unusually high 2024 gross margin figure versus other years), but overall earnings quality and consistency look solid.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
Leverage appears manageable: debt-to-equity remains moderate (rising from ~0.14 in 2020–2021 to ~0.35 in 2025), suggesting increased borrowing but not an outsized balance-sheet risk. Shareholders’ equity has expanded over time, and returns on equity are strong (roughly mid‑20% to high‑20% in recent years), indicating efficient capital use. The main weakness is the clear upward trend in leverage since 2021, which reduces flexibility if operating conditions soften.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Cash generation is generally supportive of earnings: free cash flow has often tracked net income well (free cash flow running roughly ~0.64x–0.97x of net income across the period; ~0.89x in 2025). However, volatility is the key issue—free cash flow dropped sharply in 2025 (down ~41.8% year over year) despite higher operating cash flow, pointing to heavier cash outflows (e.g., working capital or investment needs). Overall cash flow quality is decent, but the swing in free cash flow lowers confidence versus the stronger income statement profile.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue329.31M305.84M251.61M224.70M221.80M
Gross Profit175.15M291.90M130.31M122.07M122.32M
EBITDA137.16M123.69M99.91M93.58M99.28M
Net Income79.44M75.60M61.92M58.78M58.81M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets714.40M653.36M417.53M405.84M408.26M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments312.70M34.65M32.79M62.73M32.45M
Total Debt97.16M84.36M72.30M64.39M38.09M
Total Liabilities437.33M395.07M173.71M165.50M142.03M
Stockholders Equity277.06M258.28M243.82M240.34M266.23M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow110.08M49.48M49.21M52.04M61.48M
Operating Cash Flow123.68M77.54M67.23M66.97M69.40M
Investing Cash Flow-22.85M-22.84M-8.69M-14.93M-7.75M
Financing Cash Flow-67.85M-52.85M-50.43M-62.96M-63.48M

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price8.99
Price Trends
50DMA
8.74
Positive
100DMA
8.56
Positive
200DMA
8.16
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.05
Negative
RSI
60.58
Neutral
STOCH
90.49
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AU:SIQ, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 8.99 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.52, above the 50-day MA of 8.74, and above the 200-day MA of 8.16, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.05 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 60.58 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 90.49 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for AU:SIQ.

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
AU$186.01M13.148.06%4.11%27.05%520.93%
75
Outperform
AU$1.22B14.6931.30%5.51%11.64%18.08%
75
Outperform
AU$935.61M13.0310.32%10.58%16.61%3.07%
73
Outperform
AU$1.66B26.8730.67%1.14%12.62%12.46%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
59
Neutral
AU$255.35M84.4313.37%0.11%24.47%21.28%
49
Neutral
AU$21.23M-3.83-23.42%-13.52%7.82%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AU:SIQ
Smartgroup Corporation Ltd
8.85
0.90
11.38%
AU:MAD
Mader Group Ltd
8.08
2.21
37.65%
AU:CUP
Countplus Limited
1.08
0.39
57.43%
AU:KPG
Kelly Partners Group Holdings Ltd.
5.33
-7.44
-58.26%
AU:STG
Straker Translations Ltd.
0.35
-0.12
-25.53%
AU:IPH
IPH Ltd.
3.42
-1.02
-22.97%

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd Corporate Events

Smartgroup lodges updated ASX corporate governance statement and Appendix 4G
Feb 25, 2026

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd has lodged its updated corporate governance statement and Appendix 4G with the ASX for the financial year ended 31 December 2025, confirming that the statement is current as at 25 February 2026 and has been approved by the board. The company states it has complied in full with key ASX Corporate Governance Council recommendations, including maintaining a published board charter, undertaking checks on directors and executives, and ensuring the company secretary reports directly to the board, signalling a continued emphasis on transparent and accountable governance practices.

By providing a detailed key to its governance disclosures and hosting its corporate governance materials on its investor website, Smartgroup aims to make it easier for shareholders and regulators to locate and verify its compliance information. This approach reinforces the company’s alignment with ASX listing requirements and supports stakeholder confidence in its oversight structures, although no changes to business operations or strategy are disclosed in the filing.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Smartgroup Links 2025 Results Briefing With Cultural and Social Focus
Feb 25, 2026

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd has released its CY 2025 investor presentation, framing its full-year 2025 results through remarks by Managing Director and CEO Scott Wharton and Chief Financial Officer Jason King. The release also highlights the company’s continued emphasis on cultural engagement and acknowledgment of First Nations custodianship, underscoring a broader commitment to social responsibility alongside its financial performance and investor communications.

The presentation integrates an Artist Statement by Jade Kennedy, reflecting themes of caring for Country and the enduring connection of First Peoples to land, which Smartgroup aligns with its corporate narrative. This cultural framing suggests the company is seeking to strengthen its social license and stakeholder relationships, potentially enhancing its brand and positioning with investors, clients, and the wider community.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Smartgroup lifts earnings and margins on record leasing and packaging demand
Feb 25, 2026

Smartgroup reported solid full-year 2025 results, with revenue up 8% to $329.3m and operating EBITDA rising 14% to $135.3m, lifting its margin to 41% on the back of higher novated leasing settlements and growing salary packaging customers. Strong operating cash flow, low net debt of 0.3x EBITDA and record customer numbers in salary packaging, novated leasing and fleet allowed the company to declare fully franked ordinary and special dividends totalling 53 cents per share, equal to 90% of NPATA.

Customer growth was underpinned by enhanced digital marketing, service improvements and technology investment, with active salary packaging customers reaching 491,000 and novated leasing customers 85,300 by year-end. Novated leasing demand remained robust, including a sharp rise in battery electric vehicle orders, while internal combustion engine vehicles still accounted for more than half of new car leases, underscoring Smartgroup’s balanced exposure as government policy on electric vehicles continues to evolve.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Smartgroup declares interim dividend of AUD 0.335 per share
Feb 25, 2026

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd has declared a fully paid dividend of AUD 0.335 per ordinary share for the six-month period ended 31 December 2025. The dividend applies to shareholders on the register as of 6 March 2026, with the stock trading ex-dividend on 5 March and payment scheduled for 20 March 2026.

The announcement signals an ongoing return of capital to shareholders, reflecting the company’s capacity to distribute earnings from its financial year 2025 performance. The timing and size of the payment will be closely watched by investors as an indicator of Smartgroup’s cash generation, capital management discipline and confidence in its operating outlook.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Smartgroup lifts 2025 profit and declares special dividend
Feb 25, 2026

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd has released its preliminary final report and 2025 annual report, showing a 7.7% rise in revenue to $329.3 million for the year ended 31 December 2025. Profit after tax attributable to shareholders increased 5.1% to $79.4 million, reflecting continued growth in its core outsourced administration and financial services operations.

The board has determined a fully franked final ordinary dividend of 21.5 cents per share and a fully franked special dividend of 12 cents per share, in addition to the previously paid 19.5 cent interim dividend. While net tangible assets per share remain negative due to the company’s capital and asset structure, the increased earnings and additional special dividend signal confidence in cash generation and underlying business performance.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Smartgroup Sets Date for 2025 Full-Year Results and Investor Briefing
Jan 23, 2026

Smartgroup Corporation has scheduled the release of its full-year results for the 12 months to 31 December 2025 for Thursday, 26 February 2026, before the market opens, and will accompany the announcement with a live audio briefing hosted by Managing Director and CEO Scott Wharton and CFO Jason King. The webcast, which will also be made available in the investor section of the company’s website, underscores Smartgroup’s focus on maintaining transparency and timely engagement with investors ahead of a potentially market-sensitive earnings update.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Ceases to Be Substantial Holder in Smartgroup
Jan 21, 2026

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. has lodged a notice indicating it has ceased to be a substantial holder in Smartgroup Corporation Ltd, following changes in relevant interests and associations involving entities it controls. The filing details a series of small purchases of Smartgroup fully paid ordinary shares by an entity controlled by Morgan Stanley on 14 January 2026, which collectively altered Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group’s voting power and triggered the requirement to disclose its changed status; the move signals a shift in Smartgroup’s share register that may slightly reconfigure the balance of institutional ownership but does not, on its face, indicate any operational changes for the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

First Sentier Group Ceases to Be Substantial Holder in Smartgroup
Jan 20, 2026

First Sentier Group Limited and a wide network of related entities and associates, ultimately linked to Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, have notified Smartgroup Corporation Ltd that they have ceased to be a substantial shareholder as of 16 January 2026, under Australia’s Corporations Act disclosure regime. The change in status reduces the concentration of institutional ownership in Smartgroup’s register and may signal a reshaping of its shareholder base, potentially affecting perceptions of institutional support and trading dynamics, though no specific transaction details or strategic rationale were disclosed in the notice.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Mitsubishi UFJ Exits Substantial Holder Position in Smartgroup
Dec 29, 2025

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. has notified Smartgroup Corporation Ltd that it has ceased to be a substantial holder in the company, lodging an official notice of ceasing to be a substantial holder dated 29 December 2025. The filing details a series of transactions in Smartgroup fully paid ordinary shares during August 2025, executed through entities controlled by First Sentier Group Limited and Morgan Stanley, which have reduced Mitsubishi UFJ’s relevant interest below the substantial holding threshold, signalling a shift in the company’s institutional shareholder base and potentially altering the balance of influence among major investors.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Smartgroup Announces Change in Substantial Holding Status
Dec 11, 2025

Smartgroup Corporation Ltd has announced a change in its substantial holding status, as State Street Corporation and its subsidiaries have ceased to be substantial holders as of December 9, 2025. This change may impact the company’s shareholder structure and could influence its market dynamics, though specific implications for stakeholders were not detailed in the release.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Buy with a A$10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Lennox Capital Partners Ceases Substantial Holding in Smartgroup
Nov 28, 2025

Lennox Capital Partners Pty Limited has announced that it has ceased to be a substantial holder in Smartgroup Corporation Ltd. This change in holding could impact Smartgroup’s shareholder composition and potentially influence its market positioning, as substantial holders often have significant voting power and influence over company decisions.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:SIQ) stock is a Hold with a A$9.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smartgroup Corporation Ltd stock, see the AU:SIQ Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 28, 2026