• EBITDA up 9% to $891 million
• Earnings growth driven by higher volumes, regulatory revenue uplift, and cost control
• Dividend payout ratio increased to 90%, with interim dividend of 12.5 cents per share

Aurizon Holdings Ltd has reported strong financial and operational performance in the first half of FY2026. The company recorded an Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) of $891 million, up 9% compared to the prior comparable period (pcp). This growth was driven by higher volumes, a regulatory revenue uplift, and disciplined cost control. The company's Bulk, Coal, and Network business units all reported increased EBITDA. Earnings Per Share (EPS) was up 20% to 13.6 cents, as a result of higher Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) and the cancellation of shares from buyback programs. The Aurizon Board has declared an interim dividend of 12.5 cents per share, 90% franked, which represents a 90% payout ratio of Underlying NPAT. The company also announced a $100 million extension to its on-market buy-back program, bringing the total to $250 million. Aurizon's focus on safety saw a step-down in the Actual and Potential Serious Injury and Fatality Frequency Rate, although the Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate deteriorated slightly. The company is making progress on key strategic objectives, including the submission of a draft 10-year undertaking for the Central Queensland Coal Network and the completion of the Network Ownership Structure Review, which resulted in the decision to retain the existing above and below rail integrated model.

Group underlying EBITDA maintained at $1,680m - $1,750m for FY2026. Full year dividends now expected to be 22-23 cents per share (previously 19-20 cents per share). Non-Growth capex expected to be $580m - $600m, including ~$30m of transformation capital (previously $610m - $660m, including ~$30m of transformation capital). Growth capex maintained at $100m - $150m.

Aurizon remains focused on the continued disciplined execution of its growth strategy, underpinned by confidence in the long-term growth and earnings potential for the company in the coal and bulk commodities it transports, including agriculture and critical minerals.