Highlights

  • Underlying NPAT(A) increased 12% to AUD 91.8 million in 1H FY26.
  • Interim dividend lifted to 3.25 cents per share.
  • Shares traded at AUD 2.46, down 12.94% on the day, with brokers maintaining Hold ratings.

Perenti Limited (ASX:PRN) shares dropped 12.94% to AUD 2.46 in midday trade following the results announcement. Over the past year, the stock has gained 111.64%, marking substantial appreciation on a 12-month basis.

The decline came after the company released its half-year performance and updated guidance.

Revenue Steady, Margins Expand

Revenue for 1H FY26 was AUD 1.73 billion, in line with the record first half delivered in 1H25.

Underlying EBIT(A) increased 3% to AUD 160.1 million, while EBIT(A) margin rose to 9.3%, up from 9.0% in the prior corresponding period.

Underlying NPAT(A) climbed 12% to AUD 91.8 million, with statutory NPAT up 11% to AUD 70.5 million. Underlying earnings per share rose 12% to 9.8 cents.

Key Financial Metrics – 1H FY26

  • Revenue: AUD 1.73 billion
  • Underlying EBIT(A): AUD 160.1 million (+3%)
  • EBIT(A) margin: 9.3%
  • Underlying NPAT(A): AUD 91.8 million (+12%)
  • Statutory NPAT: AUD 70.5 million (+11%)
  • Underlying EPS: 9.8 cents (+12%)
  • Normalised free cash flow: AUD 33.1 million
  • Net debt: AUD 385.3 million
  • Leverage: 0.6x

Normalised free cash flow increased to AUD 33.1 million, compared with AUD 30.6 million in 1H25. Net debt declined to AUD 385.3 million, reducing leverage to 0.6x.

Dividend Raised

The Board declared an interim dividend of 3.25 cents per share, up 8.3% from the prior corresponding period.

During the half, total debt repayments of AUD 135.4 million were completed, including redemption of USAUD 103 million in senior unsecured notes.

FY26 Guidance Tightened

Due to the uplift in the AUD:USD exchange rate, Perenti narrowed the top end of its FY26 guidance.

Updated FY26 Guidance

  • Revenue: AUD 3.45 billion to AUD 3.55 billion
  • EBIT(A): AUD 335 million to AUD 350 million
  • Net capital expenditure: circa AUD 325 million
  • Free cash flow: greater than AUD 170 million

Work in hand stood at AUD 5.8 billion at 31 December 2025, with an opportunity pipeline of AUD 18.6 billion.

Broker Ratings

Institutional brokers have maintained neutral positions following the update.

  • Jefferies: Hold rating with a target price of AUD 2.64.
  • Bell Potter Securities: Hold rating with a target price of AUD 2.15.

Perenti’s first-half results delivered higher earnings, improved margins and reduced leverage, alongside tightened FY26 guidance influenced by exchange rate movements. The company enters the second half with AUD 5.8 billion in work in hand and updated full-year financial targets.

Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)

  1. How did Perenti perform in 1H FY26?
    Perenti reported revenue of AUD 1.73 billion, underlying NPAT(A) of AUD 91.8 million and EBIT(A) of AUD 160.1 million.
  2. What dividend was declared?
    An interim dividend of 3.25 cents per share was declared, up 8.3% from 1H25.
  3. What are brokers saying about PRN?
    Jefferies has a Hold rating with a target price of AUD 2.64, while Bell Potter Securities has a Hold rating with a target of AUD 2.15.