Research notes

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Research Notes

Electrical manufacturing the source of future growth

MAAS Group
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
MGH delivered an FY26 result in line with updated guidance provided in early Aug-26. The FY27 outlook commentary was qualitative, with management expecting strong revenue and profit growth from continuing operations in FY27 on the back of record external work in hand of c.$1.2bn. Underlying EBITDA from continuing operations (but excluding Firmus revaluation) was $143m in FY26. We have this increasing to $223m in FY27 (+56%), with the two Firmus contracts representing the bulk of the growth, whilst transmission and distribution work should also book solid growth, offsetting a moderation in our commercial real estate revaluations expectations. For the past six months, MGH has been a story of transitioning to be predominantly an electrical contractor. This transition is largely complete, and for that reason we remove the peer multiple discount, seeing us retain our Buy recommendation with a $7.75/sh price target.

Continuing to deliver against a volatile backdrop

MA Financial Group
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
MAF’s 1H26 Underlying NPAT, ex large notable items (LNI, A$35.8m) was +59% on the pcp and appeared largely in-line with Factset consensus (A$36m). Overall we saw this as a strong result punctuated by continuing business growth, EBITDA margin expansion and an MA Money FY26 profit upgrade. We make relatively nominal changes to FY26F/FY27F EPS, of -1.6%/-0.7% respectively. Our price target rises marginally to A$8.66 (previously A$8.57), with our earnings changes offset by a valuation roll-forward. MAF has a consistent recent track record of delivery and, in our view, is well positioned to deliver strong long-term growth. With our PT implying more than 20% upside, we maintain our BUY call.

Preferencing profitability

MLG Oz
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
FY26 reflected MLG’s refreshed strategy to preference profitability over revenue growth. Revenue was +4% YoY while EBITDA grew +14% and NPAT +34%. 2H EBITDA margins expanded to 14%, approaching the 15% target and representing MLG’s strongest margin performance in recent history. FY27 should once again be a year of incremental margin improvement and double-digit NPAT growth – driven by an optimised haulage portfolio, stronger activity levels in crushing (DVP contract) and potentially some further civil works (subject to timing/awards). Our EBITDA forecasts are unchanged though NPAT decreases as we include (non-cash) loss on sales across our forecasts. Target price unchanged at $1.20.

FY26: Dividend drifts on flat earnings

Fortescue
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
A mixed FY26 result from FMG, with higher revenue helping to offset cost increases and elevated admin/R&D to help keep underlying earnings flat. With the focus on FY27 guidance, Iron Bridge remained a key issue, with the magnetite operation struggling through ramp up and with elevated costs. Plans for a green steel plant was big news, although difficult to quantify. We maintain a HOLD rating, with an A$18.70 target price (was A$21.80).

FY26 result: Steadying the ship

Super Retail Group
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
SUL delivered a better-than-expected FY26 result, as rebel World Cup tailwinds (+70% volume growth vs last WC), a resilient SCA through June and a lower tax rate (~26%) beat consensus normalised NPAT expectations by ~11%. Gross margins remained stable at the group level (+10bps yoy) and trading through FY27 is mixed (SCA leading; BCF/rebel muted; and Macpac underperforming), with group LFL growth of +1.5% through the first seven weeks. A positive update, driven by outperformance from SUL’s core SCA/rebel brands, while BCF is continuing to progress on strategic initiatives (store format/fitment), delivering +5.5% total sales growth and cycling easing comps in the near-term. Despite a solid start to FY27, we view the valuation (~14x PE) as reasonable relative to near-term growth expectations. HOLD maintained.

FY26 result - core intact, but leverage elusive

Sonic Healthcare
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
FY26 delivered solid organic growth, reinforcing our view that the core business is not structurally broken, but little operating leverage. Underlying EBITDA of A$1,933m (+11%) was broadly in line, while NPAT of A$621m (+17%) was 4% ahead, albeit including material NRIs. FY27 outlook is less compelling, with cc EBITDA guidance of A$1.95-2.03bn (+1-5%), with multiple cost and regulatory headwinds absorbing much of the benefit from continued organic growth, US operational improvements and acquisition synergies. We reduce FY27-28 underlying earnings and lower our target price to A$22.40. We move to HOLD, reflecting limited near-term earnings momentum and a lack of catalysts for share price outperformance.

Multi-faceted growth

NRW Holdings
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
NWH delivered a strong FY26, with NPATA/EPSA up +44%. Strong growth is set to continue with management guiding to FY27 EBITA of $320-330m. The levers into FY27 are clear. Mining will grow strongly from South Walker Creek expansion, Meandu commencement and latent fleet capacity. EMIT should benefit from margin expansion and tailwinds from rising DC demand, and Civil is leveraged to rising public infrastructure spend. MET faces the KCGM roll-off and is where we see some risk, but active tenders are a record >$2bn. We lift FY27-FY28 NPATA forecasts by +9-11% and raise our target price to $8.80 (from $8.00).

FY26 result: Delivers again, rollout accelerates

Universal Store Holdings
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
UNI reported 17.2% underlying EBIT growth to $64.0m, driven by sales growth (+12.9%), gross margin expansion (+140bps) and disciplined cost investment. Another year of strong execution through a challenging retail environment. The trading update was solid and UNI has guided to an accelerating store rollout pipeline, expecting 16-20 new stores in FY27 (13 in FY26). We have increased EBITDA by 0.7%/2.7% in FY27/28 respectively, although EBIT declines 3.0%/2.0% driven by higher depreciation costs. We retain our BUY recommendation, with a target price of $10.20 (was $9.50).

FY26 result: US execution remains key

Brambles
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
BXB’s FY26 result was broadly in line with expectations and management’s guidance. However, FY27 guidance was marginally softer at the midpoint, with earnings expected to be skewed to 2H27 as US repair capacity constraints impact performance in 1H27. While like-for-like volumes were lower amid challenging operating conditions, this was more than offset by price realisation and net new business wins. We adjust FY27/28/29F underlying EBIT by 0%/0%/-2%. Our target price falls slightly to $18.60 (from $18.70). While management remains on track to resolve the US repair capacity constraints by the end of 1H27, there is still some execution risk to deliver the expected strong earnings uplift in 2H27. In addition, the macroeconomic environment remains soft, weighing on consumer demand. Trading on 18.2x FY27F PE with a 3.5% yield, we continue to see the stock as fully valued and maintain our HOLD rating.

FY26 result & guidance in line, 2H27 performance key

Northern Star Resources
3:27pm
August 20, 2026
FY26 result was in line with a 30cps final dividend beating both MorgansF and consensus, while FY27 guidance met expectations at the headline level despite KCGM ramp-up risk. Move to a HOLD (previously ACCUMULATE) with a A$25ps target price. We expect the near-term valuation discount to persist until operating & strategic clarity improves post KCGM ramp-up and new CEO beginning in October.

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