Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Reports Strong Half‑Year Results and Announces Dividend

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (ASX:BEN) released its half‑year financial results for the period ended 31 December 2025 on 16 February 2026. The institution, which traces its origins to 1886 in Bendigo and later merged with Adelaide Bank in 1983, is Australia’s fifth‑largest retail bank and continues to expand its product suite across personal, commercial, wealth‑management and financial‑planning services.

Financial Performance Highlights

  • Profit up: The bank reported an increase in profit for the first half of the fiscal year, signalling resilience amid a volatile global financial environment.
  • Loan growth outlook: Management expressed confidence that its residential lending book will return to growth, following a period of regulatory scrutiny and risk‑management adjustments that required the bank to set aside substantial resources.
  • Capital compliance: Bendigo and Adelaide Bank complied with Basel III Pillar 3 disclosures as of 31 December 2025, affirming its adherence to prudential standards and reinforcing investor confidence.

Dividend and Shareholder Returns

  • Interim dividend: On 16 February 2026 the board announced a fully franked interim dividend of AUD 0.30 per share for the first half of FY 26. The ex‑date is set for 20 February 2026.
  • Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP): The bank introduced a partially underwritten DRP, offering shareholders the option to reinvest dividends in additional shares. This initiative is intended to enhance shareholder value while maintaining liquidity.
  • Financial calendar update: The 2026 financial calendar was confirmed, ensuring transparency on upcoming reporting and dividend dates.

Market Context

  • ASX movement: The Australian Securities Exchange was poised for a rise on 16 February 2026 as Wall Street steadied, reflecting broader market optimism that likely supports BEN’s share price.
  • Regulatory environment: BEN’s proactive allocation of capital to address risk‑management deficiencies highlights its commitment to regulatory compliance and risk stewardship.

Outlook

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s management remains cautiously optimistic. With residential lending expected to rebound and a stable dividend policy, the bank is positioning itself to capture growth opportunities while safeguarding its capital base. Investors should monitor the upcoming regulatory filings and the bank’s progress on loan portfolio expansion as key indicators of future performance.