Research notes

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Research Notes

FY26: Moving beyond the ramp-up

Paladin Energy
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
Cash is starting to flow - PDN delivered positive operating cash flow for the first full year since the restart, generating US$38m in FY26 and marking the transition from ramp-up story to steady-state and cash-generating producer. Guidance beaten across the board - Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) exceeded FY26 production, sales and cost guidance, providing further evidence that the operation can sustainably deliver and continues to build momentum as it enters more steady state operations. Following recent share price strength, we move to an ACCUMULATE (previously BUY) with an increased price target of A$14.10ps.

FY26 result: Shining offshore

Lovisa
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
LOV delivered a strong FY26 result, with EBIT up 14.1%, ~4.5% ahead of consensus. Excluding estimated ~$22m of EBIT losses from Jewells UK, the underlying business would have grown just shy of 30% yoy. The global store rollout continues, opening 160 stores in FY26, with management expecting a similar number in FY27. Trading in the first 8 weeks of FY27 was positive (+3% LFL), against a challenging comp in the pcp (+5.6%). We lower our EBIT by 1%/2% in FY27/28. Our valuation lowers to $31.00 and we move to an ACCUMULATE (from BUY) following recent strength in the share price.

September guidance update; slower ramp expected

Catalyst Metals
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
CYL reported record production at Plutonic in Q4 to close out FY26, but we expect a softer FY27 outlook when guidance is released in late Sep-26. Permitting timelines, the ramp-up of multiple new mines and a better understanding of processing capability are likely to drive a rebase of the Sep-25 10-year plan, potentially delaying the pathway to ~200kozpa. As a result, we have amended our production forecasts and cost assumptions. Following an analyst change, we retain our BUY recommendation with a revised price target of A$11.33 per share.

Resetting the bar

Polynovo
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
PNV’s FY26 result was broadly in line with expectations (revenue up 16.7% and underlying EBITDA up 51%); however, FX headwinds and an inventory reallocation impacted the 2H. FY26 was a reset year. We have recast our next three-year forecasts and moderated revenue growth to 15% (was 20%). PNV enters FY27 focused on execution, leveraging its growing wound care franchise, increasing MTX adoption, expanding use in complex wounds and progressing key regulatory milestones including PMA submission. Management expects growth through deeper penetration of existing accounts, broader indications, platform expansion opportunities and improved operating leverage over time. As a result of forecast changes our target price falls to A$1.21 (from A$1.48). BUY.

FY26 result: Turnaround now in full swing

Woolworths
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
WOW’s FY26 result was slightly better than expected. Australian Food earnings were in line with our forecast, while Australian B2B and W Living exceeded expectations. NZ Food was softer following a challenging 2H26. Encouragingly, Australian Food sales momentum has continued into early FY27, supported by the popular Disney Ooshies collectibles campaign. Excluding this benefit, sales growth remained solid, indicating the underlying business continues to perform well. We adjust FY27/28/29F underlying EBIT by +2%/+2%+4%. Our target price increases to $43.50 (from $37.30), reflecting changes to earnings forecasts and a higher valuation multiple. The multiple expansion reflects continued positive momentum in the core Australian Food segment, our increased confidence that this sales growth can be sustained, and improved execution. We maintain our ACCUMULATE rating.

Tough times

Worley
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
The FY26 result was soft but largely pre-flagged with EBITA -11% YoY and NPATA -17%. All verticals declined and the fade accelerated in 2H. This softness is expected to continue into 1H27 and pick up thereafter due to the phasing of projects. Backlog fell to $13.8bn from $16.7bn at 1H26, though this was partly FX related. While we make only minor changes to our EBITA forecasts in FY27-28 (-3%), the ~40% rise in the cost of debt YoY drives a 6-8% cut to our NPATA forecasts in each year. With the outlook for energy and chemicals capex still subdued, we remain HOLD with a $9.80 target (from $10.80).

FY26 result: Got its Mojo back

Motorcycle Holdings
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
MTO delivered a strong headline FY26 result: revenue +21.3% (+5% LFL), GM +172bps and NPAT +43% on the pcp and +8% ahead of our expectations. The group holds a dominant market position (19.6% share, ex CFMOTO) and is continuing to show gradual PBT margin recovery (+70bps yoy to 4.6%, 2H 4.9%). A commendable result in tough conditions and another year of growth. Inorganic initiatives have added meaningful scale (+16%), whilst MTO has delivered solid LFL growth (+5%). Challenging sector and consumer conditions have weighed on broader peer updates; however, MTO’s diverse revenue base (led by Mojo) has enabled ongoing growth. With strong balance sheet optionality (A$13m net cash), expanding PBT margins (+70bps yoy) and sustained Mojo momentum, we view FY27 as another year of growth for the stock (+11% FY27F EPS). BUY maintained.

FY26 result: dividend resumption and beat

Sandfire Resources
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
SFR resumed dividends with a 35cps final dividend (+86% vs expectations) and we see scope for this to build further as its cash balance continues to grow with no drawn debt, supported by a favourable base metals price environment. SFR's asset quality, management quality and balance sheet strength, alongside emerging growth optionality, underpin its case as a core copper exposure for long-term investors, though the stock appears fully valued at current prices. Move to HOLD (previously ACCUMULATE) with a $23ps target price.

FY26, comes in as planned but brings complexity

Atturra
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
ATA's FY26 result was in line with company guidance but a modest miss against MorgansE. The FY27 outlook commentary guides to "record revenue, EBIT and underlying EBITDA”, but lacks specific numbers. It is also coupled with a larger than normal 2H EBITDA weighting due to accelerated investment in 1H27. We reduce our forecasts by ~13% as the company lifts investment initiatives in FY27. We see ATA shares as materially undervalued. However, we move to a HOLD recommendation, from Buy. In doing so we now set our Target Price at a material discount to our valuation. The move to a Hold reflects our view that the marginal buyer is more likely to wait for proof points of return on incremental investment, rather than buy ahead of a relatively softer 1H27 result which will be impacted by incremental investment.

1H26 and clinical trial progressing

Neuren Pharmaceuticals
3:27pm
August 26, 2026
NEU's 1H26 result highlighted continued commercial momentum, supported by record 2Q26 DAYBUE net sales from partner Acadia, upgraded CY26 DAYBUE guidance and ongoing uptake of the STIX powder formulation in the US. The European Commission approval of DAYBU is a material de-risking event, creating a pathway for first European commercial sales from Germany in early 4Q26 and a US$35m milestone to NEU following first commercial sale. Royalty income increased 17% to A$33.2m, while R&D costs rose to A$27.4m as the Koala Phase 3 trial progressed. Cash and short-term investments were A$286.5m at period end. NEU also introduced its first dividend policy and declared a maiden fully franked interim dividend of 15.0 cents per share, payable on 7 October 2026. The Koala Phase 3 trial had 15 sites activated across the US and Canada, with more than 100 potential participants referred to active sites or awaiting activation of closer sites.

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