Research notes

ACE delivered a strong and largely as expected 1H26 result with Revenue of $40.3m (+40% YoY) in line with MorgF $39.4m. Adjusted EBITDA of $3.9m (+9% YoY) was supported by the ramp-up of new contracts in NZ and WA. This was reflected in Australian EBITDA growth of 13% to $11.0m, and ACE’s International segment delivering positive EBITDA of +$0.9m, for the first time. FY26 revenue guidance of $83.0m-$87.0m was reaffirmed, with Adjusted EBITDA now expected to be in the range of $7.2m-$8.2m was reaffirmed. ACE is catalyst rich, with line of sight on various opportunities to scale the business domestically and internationally, over the near-to medium term. We retain our SPECULATIVE BUY rating & $2.30/sh PT.

Revenues were already known. Higher costs and FX rates (AUDEUR, AUDUSD) and APRR valuation decay caused our business-as-usual valuation to decline 28 cps to $3.99/share. First-time FY26 DPS guidance of 40 cps implies c.8.1% cash yield at current prices. We estimate the distribution can be sustained at this level until mid-2028 when excess corporate cash reserves are exhausted. Our target price of $4.31/sh assumes potential for IFM corporate activity, albeit this seems less likely as IFM ‘creeps’ its shareholding higher every six months (now c.35%). With potential TSR at current prices of -4%, we downgrade to TRIM.

HLO reported a strong 1H26 result which slightly beat expectations. FY26 EBITDA guidance for 15-30% growth was reiterated. Its forward bookings remain strong. Following the 1H26, we have upgraded our forecasts. Given HLO’s undemanding trading multiples, improved trading conditions and contribution from new accretive acquisitions, we reiterate our BUY rating.

In late December 2025 ATA guided to 1H26 underlying EBITDA of ~$7m and 2H26 underlying EBITDA of $23-24m (FY26 $30-31m). Today’s result was inline with this and the Board reaffirmed guidance for the full year. We make minor forecast changes and upgrade our recommendation to BUY (from ACUM MULATE). Our Target Price remains unchanged at 80cps.

COG’s 1H26 Underlying NPAT to shareholders (A$13.6m) was up +11% on the pcp, but -9% below MorgansE (~A$15m). We saw this as a bit of a mixed result with a strong performance in Salary Packaging offset by some margin pressures in Broking and Aggregation (B&A). Near term, we think additional business simplification (alluded to at this result), and further acquisitions remain the key stock catalysts. We downgrade our COG FY26F/FY27F EPS by -4%-5 respectively. Changes to our numbers reflect softer margin assumptions in B&A, and our price target is reduced to A$2.09 (from A$2.57). Following a recent pullback in COG’s share price, the stock now trades on an undemanding ~11x FY26F PE multiple (pre acquired amortisation). We think this is too cheap given the inherent optionality in the business, and we retain our Buy call (with >20% upside to our valuation).

1H26 was a mixed bag, with a minor bottom-of-the-range EBIT guidance upgrade. Next catalyst is the investor strategy day planned for 21 April. Earnings forecast adjustments are minimal, cashflow downgrades more material. Target price of $3.11/sh unchanged (downgrades offset by valuation roll-forward).

1HFY26 underlying net profit exceeded expectations, assisted by lower finance charges and favourable non-controlling interest movements. Operationally, performance was solid, led by improving Australian activity and earnings, while UK acute held its own, Elysium remained soft, but continues its gradual turnaround, and EU is stable on better cost control. While progress is being made across the portfolio, the sustainability of profitable remains in question, with ongoing cost headwinds, the early stage of a multi-year transformation program in Australia and a largely qualitative FY26 outlook. We adjust FY26-28 earnings, with our price target increasing to A$40.77. Hold.

NXT sold more MWs in the month of December 2025 than in the preceding 36 months combined. It was a record sales period for enterprise and hyperscale. The 416MW now contracted underpins FY29 underlying EBITDA of >$700m (without new contract wins) and sees NXT trading on an undemanding ~22x EV/Contracted EBITDA, with upside potential. BUY retained and target price lifted to $20.50 from $19.00 following our upgrades.

WOR reported a softer-than-expected 1H26 segment result, with performance across each vertical below expectations. While we continue to view WOR as a high-quality global services business, the near-to-medium term outlook is shaped by both cyclical and structural challenges. Cyclically, upstream capital spend in both energy and chemicals is in decline. Structurally, within WOR’s key energy segment, capital is increasingly concentrated towards subsea, which is dominated by specialist EPC contractors. Against a backdrop of softer leading indicators, FY27 consensus forecasts may be too ambitious (EBITA $973m and +16% YoY). Delivery will therefore depend on WOR’s ability to execute its EPC strategy and broaden its participation across the value chain as it seeks to offset cyclical and structural headwinds. Target price to $12.20 (was $16.40) and downgrade to Hold.

IPD posted its 1H26 result which was below our forecasts. Although the opportunity is evident for the SOZO device across several indications (BCRL, heart failure and body composition) the slow rate of sales has created concerns around liquidity for investors. Delays in sales orders due to tight hospital budgets have been called out by management as an issue. Management expects this to moderate in 2H. We have downgraded forecasts and TP to A$0.05 (was A$0.10). SPECULATIVE BUY recommendation maintained.