0235 GMT - Viva Energy's bulls at UBS say the Australian fuel refiner and retailer is finally entering an earnings upgrade cycle. With an unchanged buy rating on the stock, the investment bank's analysts tell clients in a note that first-half Ebitda was about 10% above consensus on beats from both its industrial and convenience divisions. They view Viva Energy's strategic pivot toward refurbishing many retail filling stations as self-serve 24-hour outlets as a prudent step that reduces its capital-expenditure burden and probably improves returns in the current economic environment. UBS lifts its fiscal 2026 EPS forecast by 8% and raises its target price 3.7% to 2.80 Australian dollars. Shares are up 3.6% at A$2.745.