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.

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.

Backing the man, the brands + TWE Ascent

Treasury Wine Estates
3:27pm
May 14, 2026
We see TWE’s Investor Day on 4 June as a key share price catalyst. At this event, the company intends to share its detailed plans and targets for its portfolio and operating model to support a future state TWE. TWE’s recent trading update was positive with strong depletion growth, highlighting the strength of its brands. It also has the support of its banks with new debt commitments secured. 2H26 EBITS is on track to be higher than the 1H26. Following material share price weakness, given its low trading multiples and our belief that new management can deliver more acceptable returns overtime, we upgrade to a BUY recommendation.

El Niño conditions haunt FY27

GrainCorp
3:27pm
May 14, 2026
GNC’s 1H26 result was weak but broadly in line with consensus at the NPAT level. Business unit performance was stronger for Agribusiness but materially weaker for Nutrition & Energy given a one-off derivate timing issue. GNC reported a significantly larger than expected cash outflow and its core cash position was also lower than expected. The era of special dividends now appears to be over. GNC reiterated its FY26 earnings guidance. The outlook for the FY27 winter crop is one of caution given grain grower’s cost pressures and the BOM’s dry outlook. We have downgraded our forecasts for a much smaller crop. GNC’s strategic assets are worth materially more than its current share price. However, given earnings look set to decline again in FY27, the stock is lacking share price catalysts, and we move to a HOLD recommendation.

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