Research notes

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Research Notes

2Q26 result: Margin does the heavy lifting

Light & Wonder
3:27pm
August 5, 2026
Light & Wonder (LNW) delivered a better than feared 2Q26 result, beating expectations at the EPSA line, though a softer top line tempered the reaction with shares closing up 4% on the day. Growth in Land-based gaming and iGaming more than offset ongoing softness in SciPlay, but revenue still came in below expectations. The highlight was margin, where disciplined cost management and a favourable mix drove expansion across all three segments. We think most of that gain holds through the balance of the year, even as mix shifts toward lower-margin outright sales in a heavily fourth-quarter weighted finish. We forecast 6.3% growth in consolidated adjusted EBITDA in FY26, with 3Q and 4Q representing 26% and 28% of the full-year outcome, respectively. We maintain our BUY recommendation, with an increased target price of A$174.

Overseas progress apparent

Pinnacle Investment Mgmt
3:27pm
August 5, 2026
PNI’s FY26 underlying NPAT of A$138m (+21% on pcp) came in 7% below Factset consensus (A$148m) and 2% below MorgansF. Despite the headline result miss, we think PNI's FY26 underlying business performance was generally robust, with key business drivers like flows and AUM actually outperforming expectations. Solid progress for PAM and Life Cycle also points to a positive trajectory for PNI's overseas expansion, in our view. Our FY27/FY28 NPAT forecasts are modestly revised down (-1% to -2%), although changes are slightly larger at EPS (-7%) due to a share count adjustment. Our price target falls to A$23.41 (previously A$23.94), with our earnings changes offset by a valuation roll-forward. Maintain BUY call with >20% upside to our price target.

Sydney toll reform and June traffic

Transurban Group
3:27pm
August 5, 2026
We incorporate the impact of Sydney toll reforms (subject to definitive agreements and various approvals expected in 2HCY26) and 2H26 monthly traffic data into our forecasts and valuation. TCL said the toll reforms were structured to be value neutral and not impact “near term” DPS. We largely agree on value – our target price adjusts -11 cps to $12.63/s albeit this includes actual June quarter CPI lower than we had expected. The near- term DPS impact is mitigated by key reform changes not applying until FY28. In coming years we expect TCL’s EBITDA growth to be constrained by Melbourne weakness while its interest costs (paid and expensed) rise faster than consensus expectations. Our modelling indicates TCL’s DPS in coming years may grow at a similar rate to APA Group (<2%/year). If TCL were to re-rate to APA’s yield then TCL would price in the $12/sh range. TRIM ahead of first-time FY27 DPS guidance.

Lending activities garner outsized returns

Garda Property Group
3:27pm
August 5, 2026
GDF delivered a strong set of results for FY26, with FFO of 11.1cps reflecting growth of +54% (vs pcp), whilst also beating prior guidance (10cps) and our expectations. The heavy lifting was done by the lending book, as deployed capital tripled on FY25 and loan returns averaged 20% for the period. The property portfolio remains stable, with the key swing factors of Acacia Ridge and Morningside lease-up being conservatively set (MorgansF) for 1H28 and 2H27 respectively. With the stock trading at a 33% discount to NTA and an 8.2% distribution yield (FY27), we see upside to the current share price and reiterate our Buy rating with a $1.30/sh price target.

Stepping up investment in Tritton

Aeris Resources
3:27pm
August 5, 2026
FY27 guidance in line on production but capex of $280-343m was well above expectations on Constellation construction and stripping ahead of first ore in 3Q27. Elevated near-term Tritton capex funds the development of Constellation and Mallee Bull, underpinning higher-grade mill feed and a path to 30ktpa of copper production by FY30. Maintain BUY with a A$0.55ps target price (previously A$0.53ps).

Starting afresh

Endeavour Group
3:27pm
August 5, 2026
EDV has provided some preliminary numbers for FY26 with underlying sales, EBIT and NPAT largely in line with expectations. The company has, however, announced $372m ($311m after tax) in one-off costs (both cash and non-cash) relating to the write down of carrying values for assets as well as costs associated with the implementation of its strategy review. Further details on EDV’s performance are due to be released at its FY26 result on 24 August. We decrease FY27F and FY28F underlying EBIT by 2%. Despite this, our target price increases to $3.20 (from $2.80) due to an uplift in peer valuation multiples. However, with a 12-month forecast TSR of -3%, we downgrade our rating to TRIM from HOLD. We expect liquor demand to remain under pressure amid elevated interest rates, ongoing cost-of-living pressures and an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop. The new management strategy also carries execution risk, in our view.

International Spotlight

Chevron
3:27pm
August 5, 2026

Earnings up as AI transition gathers pace

MAAS Group
3:27pm
August 5, 2026
MGH has secured a further $855m order from Firmus (delivered over eighteen months), and sees our baseline earnings step up materially. MGH will also be investing a further $300m in Firmus, which including a marked-to-market gain on the initial stake, takes MGH’s holding to $500m (or 3.2%). The scope of the pipeline, in addition to the interest income to be earned from the Western Sydney Aerotropolis site sees earnings risks to the upside. Given the moving parts, execution risk is elevated and as a result we apply a 20% discount to the peer multiple applied in our SOTP, and a 1.4 beta in deriving our DCF. The opportunity in front of MGH is clearly immense, and whilst not without its risks, we see the potential for outsized returns – BUY reiterated, price target increased to $7.30/sh (previously: $6.00/sh).

International Spotlight

Boeing Co.
3:27pm
August 5, 2026
Boeing is a leading global aerospace and defence manufacturer, founded in 1916 and headquartered in Arlington, United States. The company designs and produces commercial airplanes, military aircraft, satellites, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. With a commercial airline market share of approximately 43%, Boeing remains a central player in global aviation. The company enters 2026 focused on production ramp-up, certification milestones for the 737 MAX 7, MAX 10 and 777-9, and a strategic recovery path under CEO Kelly Ortberg. Its extensive order backlog and diversified defence programs continue to underpin long-term growth opportunities.

International Spotlight

Palantir Technologies Inc
3:27pm
August 5, 2026

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