Research notes

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Research Notes

Issues in the US

Brambles
3:27pm
May 18, 2026
BXB’s trading update was disappointing, reflecting short-term pallet repair capacity constraints in parts of the US. These issues were driven by subcontractor turnover at service centres, labour shortages, and elevated supply chain costs, including additional repair, handling, transportation, and storage expenses. BXB has downgraded FY26 (constant FX) revenue growth guidance to 2-3% (vs 3-4% previously) while underlying EBIT growth is now expected to be 3-5% (vs 8-11% previously). We adjust FY26/27/28F underlying EBIT by -4%/-5%/-1%. Our target price declines to $18.70 (from $25.50) and we move to a HOLD rating (from ACCUMULATE). While management expects US pallet repair capacity constraints to be a short-term issue, with resolution targeted by the end of 1H27 and improvement initiatives already underway, risks remain given the challenging operating environment, including potential for further subcontractor turnover. With the volume outlook also uncertain, we prefer to wait for BXB’s FY26 result on 20 August before reassessing our view.

Formative Mt Oxide Field Season

True North Copper
3:27pm
May 18, 2026
TNC continues to advance both the Mt Oxide Copper Project and Cloncurry Hub across multiple fronts, against a backdrop of record copper prices. Exploration momentum continues to build at Mt Oxide, while the broader Cloncurry growth strategy is gaining traction through ongoing exploration success and commercial agreements. Looking ahead, we view the next 12 months as a key formative period for TNC, with continued drilling and development activity expected to further define the scale potential at Mt Oxide. We maintain our SPECULATIVE BUY rating and A$1.30ps price target.

International Spotlight

Alibaba Group
3:27pm
May 18, 2026
Alibaba Group is a Chinese multinational technology company specialising in e-commerce, retail, Internet and technology. The company has 7 main operating segments: China commerce retail, China commerce wholesale, International commerce, Core commerce, Digital Media and Entertainment, Cloud and Other. Across these segments are 32 companies. Alibaba’s primary business is a digital marketplace where consumers and merchants can connect to buy and sell from each other.

International Spotlight

Tencent
3:27pm
May 18, 2026
Tencent Holdings Ltd is a Chinese multinational technology conglomerate and holding company headquartered in Shenzhen. Its services include social network, music, web portals, e-commerce, mobile games, internet services, payment systems, smartphones and multiplayer online games. The company is split into six groups: Corporate Development Group, Cloud & Smart Industries Group, Interactive Entertainment Group, Platform & Content Group, Technology Engineering Group and Weixin Group.

International Spotlight

Cisco Systems, Inc.
3:27pm
May 18, 2026
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) is a leading multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in San Jose, California. The company has established itself as a dominant force in the digital communications landscape since its founding in 1984.

A contractor in good SHAPE

Shape Australia Corporation
3:27pm
May 17, 2026
We initiate coverage on SHAPE with an ACCUMULATE recommendation and an $8.62 share price target. We see SHAPE as a higher-quality contractor, supported by short-duration projects, repeat client relationships, predominantly internal works, disciplined contract selection and a capital-light delivery model. This operating model, combined with its strong client relationships and tender discipline, positions SHAPE to continue converting pipeline into project wins.

Growing through an uncertain landscape

Qualitas
3:27pm
May 15, 2026
Following QAL’s recent 3QFY26 update, the announced changes to residential real estate investment in the Federal Budget and the sale of a further interest in the comparable Metrics Credit, we have upgraded QAL to a BUY with a $3.50/sh price target. Our valuation and recommendation change was driven almost entirely by a reduction to our discretionary valuation discount (+75 cps), reflecting our lower perceived risk as a) the company reiterates that FUM commitments continue to increase and b) FUM deployments set new records.

The MAC is back but cash still strapped

Avita Medical
3:27pm
May 15, 2026
AVH released its 1Q26 result which was a clear step-in the right direction with solid QoQ growth with FY26 guidance reaffirmed, but cash balance remains the key gating factor for further positivity and its biggest near-term risk. Operationally though it appears the worst is behind them now with the cost base reset sticking and now all 7 Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) now publishing RECELL reimbursement rates which fully closes the structural headwind which has plagued the stock over the last 18 months. Marginally more positive, but equally happy to keep holding out until cash is addressed properly. No change to our Speculative Buy recommendation or A$1.35 DCF-based valuation.

A long road back

Bapcor
3:27pm
May 15, 2026
BAP has delivered another weaker update, lowering FY26 EBITDA guidance by ~5% (at mid-point) <3 months after announcing its ~A$200m capital raise. Whilst BAP has shown some improvement in group sales growth through Feb-Apr (Trade +0.7%, Networks +3.8%, Retail +1.6% and NZ +0.7%), trading conditions deteriorated in April and are expected to persist through to FY26-end, coinciding with elevated inflationary pressures (fuel, freight and suppliers). Another disappointing, but largely unsurprising update from BAP. The group continues to work through its business turnaround, which has already taken a backwards step as it navigates a challenging macro backdrop. Given the ongoing earnings volatility and limited visibility, balance sheet deleveraging pushed to FY27, flagged potential impairment and expected continuation of challenging trade conditions through FY26, we see limited reasons to move from our underweight view. Maintain TRIM recommendation.

Clinical momentum accelerates

EMvision Medical Devices
3:27pm
May 15, 2026
EMV has made progress in the pivotal clinical trial for emu™ with enrolment expected to complete late CY26 or early CY27. EMV’s aeromedical feasibility and usability study with the First Responder (pre-hospital) device is expected to complete recruitment in this quarter. EMV continues to manage its cash position well which includes grant funding from various sources.

News & insights

The 2026 Federal Budget confirmed what many investors had been bracing for. Morgans Wealth Management Technical Services Adviser Terri Bradford on the tax changes that will reshape private wealth strategies.
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Morgans Chief Economist Michael Knox argues the Budget's grand presentation conceals a damaging structural flaw, and Australian investors are about to find out what it costs.
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The tab has been handed to existing investors. Morgans co-head of Investment Strategy, Andrew Tang, unpacks the Budget's impact on equities, property and portfolio positioning.
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