Ampol’s 3Q25 trading update showed weak volumes across all divisions, but the improvement in margins more than offsets the volume decline. Refining margins have lifted by 22% from 2Q25 to 3Q25 and is above the long-term average. In Convenience, shop gross margins increased by 295bp while fuel volumes dropped. We are mindful that the dynamic of falling volumes and rising margins will at some point be difficult to sustain. The approval of the EG acquisition remains a key share price catalyst.

Viva’s 3Q25 trading update reveals challenges still exist in its Convenience segment with a decline in tobacco gross profit. However, elsewhere in the business conditions are turning the corner. Gross profit for non-tobacco sales has increased and refinery margins are higher. Elevated refinery margins should persist for a few more quarters at least. We have reduced our Convenience and Commercial segment earnings for Viva, but lifted refining profits.

We transfer coverage of Viva Energy from Scott Hudson to Craig Woolford. In this report, we address the outlook for its convenience strategy and balance sheet position. We are positive on the refining margin outlook but expect the OTR conversions to be slower and more costly to complete.

Ampol’s 1H25 earnings showed a small improvement in Convenience earnings, cost savings and a good exit run-rate for refining margins. We expect Ampol’s Convenience EBIT to rise in 2H25e despite another drop in fuel and tobacco volumes. The company’s 1H25 gearing was 2.8x, but gearing should reduce with lower capex and better margins over the next two years. The recently announced EG acquisition needs ACCC approval, which will be long-dated and there may be some contention around the number of sites to be divested given the geographic overlap.

Ampol has announced the proposed acquisition of the 500-store EG petrol station network. The acquisition price of $1,050 million is at an EV/EBIT of 24.8x pre synergies, or 9.1x post synergies (pre AASB-16), which highlights the importance of the synergies in this deal. Given Ampol’s existing supply to EG and ability to accelerate the rollout of U-Go un-manned stations, the synergies look plausible. We lift our target price from $28.50 to $30.00 to reflect the EG deal noting that it could be 5%-6% EPS accretive by FY29e. The key unknown is ACCC approval.

Ampol’s 2Q25 trading update showed improving margin performance across the majority of its segments. Refinery margins in diesel have lifted globally and its convenience operations in Australia & NZ are seeing improving fuel margins. While conditions are good, the EBIT momentum is in line with our thinking.

We initiate coverage on Ampol at a time when convenience sites are executing well with upside from a better sales mix and more foodservice offerings. In the next two years the company should also experience a substantial lift in profitability in its fuels businesses as throughput recovers and capital projects are completed.

Coles has announced the sale of its Fuel & Convenience business to Viva Energy. The company emphasises its desire to focus on its “omni-channel” supermarkets and liquor businesses, as well as become Australia’s most “sustainable” supermarket. The deal is mildly EPS accretive and a decent price for Coles. On our estimates the sale price is 12x EV/EBIT (FY23e) and 0.6% EPS accretive in FY24e. We do see some downside risks over time as Coles may lose the grocery wholesaling business and the cost of fuel discounts may rise.