Research notes

1HFY26 result was softer and less clean than expected, with adjusted NPATA declining 7% and revenue modestly below forecasts. The result was further complicated by US$1.1bn in impairment charges, largely relating to Vifor and Seqirus, weighing on statutory earnings and sentiment. Importantly, FY26 guidance was maintained, despite Behring weakness and heightened scrutiny following the announced CEO transition, suggesting a 2H recovery, pointing to an execution reset, not structural impost, in our view. The outlook looks supported through a combination of cost-outs, marketing initiatives, new product launches and diminishing headwinds, reinforced by the Board’s urgency around operational delivery. We adjust FY26-28 forecasts modestly, with our PT decreasing to A$241.34. BUY.

1H26 result: no major earnings surprises with a small underlying NPAT miss more than offset by a strong dividend beat of 20cps (+6%/+17% vs MorgansF/consensus). Key positives: dividend beat and approval of major projects and studies at Northparkes and Ernest Henry, which are expected to underpin production and throughput across both assets in the medium-to-long-term. Key negatives: there weren’t any. Our adjusted EBITDA forecasts for FY26/FY27/FY28 are -2%/+1%/+1%, respectively. We Maintain a HOLD rating with a A$14.50ps target price.

DXC delivered a solid 1H26 operating result, with FFO and distributions underpinned by 2.9% like-for-like income growth and contracted rental escalators across a predominantly metro and highway-focused portfolio. Post period end, the company has agreed to acquire two fund-through developments (~$35m combined), consistent with its ongoing portfolio repositioning toward metro and highway locations. Portfolio fundamentals remain sound, supported by long-dated leases, high occupancy and a tenant base weighted toward national operators, while gearing sits at the lower end of the target range, providing balance sheet capacity to fund the development pipeline. The staged completion of Glass House Mountains and recently agreed fund-through developments are expected to incrementally enhance portfolio quality and traffic exposure over time, with earnings contributions largely weighted to >FY27. Valuations were supported by modest cap rate compression and continued liquidity in the direct market, partially offsetting the impact of higher interest rates. DXC is trading at a 26% discount to NAV and an 7.4% Distribution Yield (FY25F). We now rate DXC an Accumulate with a $2.90 target price.

A noisy 1H26 result that was hard to analyse, with the treatment of various items not aligning with what we would expect. Pushing its accounting treatments harder than its operations leaves us concerned around BPT’s forward FCF profile. Gradually declining reserves could suppress BPT’s valuation until it makes an acquisition, a difficult position to be in. We downgrade our rating to TRIM (from HOLD), with an updated A$1.09 target price.

AOV reported in line with expectations, delivering 1H26 sales growth of +3%; EBITA +1%; and NPATA +1%. FY26 EBITA guidance reaffirmed (+1.5% growth). Segment performance was mixed: PTU (EBITA +6.7% on pcp) and LPE (+9.4%) delivered resilient results supported by cost-out benefits, while 4WD (-11% vs MorgansF) lagged on muted core volumes and margin pressure (-c.340bps). We move to an ACCUMULATE (from BUY). Whilst we view the valuation as undemanding (~9.5x PE), we see limited near-term catalysts for the stock to re-rate and expect patience will be required as offshore investments are realised.

CAR’s 1H26 result was strong overall, in our view, and was largely in line with consensus (Visible Alpha) expectations. CAR reported double-digit percentage revenue and EBITDA growth in its key offshore markets (North America, Latam and Korea), whilst Australia revenue growth remained sound (~+8% vs the pcp). We make minor changes to our FY26 assumptions (details below). CAR is trading on ~22x FY27F PE, which we view as an attractive entry point given its double-digit EPS growth profile. We move to a BUY recommendation with a $35.20 PT.

LVMH Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy SE is a multinational luxury group conglomerate based in Paris, France. It operates five business segments: Wines and Spirits; Fashion and Leather Goods; Perfume and Cosmetics; Watches & Jewelry; and Selective Retailing. Its 75 brands include Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Acqua di Parma, Tiffany & Co, TAG Heuer, Bulgari, DFS, and Sephora. LVMH operates over 5,600 stores worldwide. LVMH was formed by Bernard Arnault, Alain Chevalier and Henry Racamier in 1987 from the merger of Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy. Louis Vuitton itself was founded as a manufacturer of luggage in 1854. Moët Hennessy was formed in 1971 through the merger of the champagne house Moët & Chandon (founded 1743) and the cognac producer Hennessy (founded 1765). Some of LVMH’s more recent acquisitions include Tiffany & Co. in 2020, Rimowa in 2016 and Loro Piana in 2013.

H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB is a multinational fashion and design group conglomerate based in Vasteras, Sweden. Its 11 brands include H&M, COS, Weekday, Monki, H&M Home, & Other Stories, Arket, Afound, The Singular Society, Creator Studio and Sellpy. Across these brands, its main operating segment is affordable and sustainable wardrobe essentials, but it also offers fashion pieces and unique designer collaborations, accessories, stationery, homewares, shoes, bags and beauty products. H&M Group operates over 4,300 stores worldwide. 

Starbucks Corporation is the largest retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Starbucks was founded in 1971 as a retailer of coffee beans and ground coffee, operating from a single store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. After it was acquired by Howard Schultz in 1987, the business grew exponentially. Its global footprint now comprises over 38,000 stores in more than 80 markets, with Starbucks Reserve ® Roastery locations in Chicago, Milan, New York, Seattle, Shanghai and Tokyo.