• Underlying EBITDA up 9% to $891m
• Underlying NPAT up 16% to $237m
• Free Cash Flow up 41% to $335m
• Interim Dividend up 36% to 12.5cps

Aurizon Holdings Limited has reported strong financial results for the first half of the 2026 financial year. Underlying EBITDA increased by 9% to $891 million, while underlying NPAT rose by 16% to $237 million. Free Cash Flow was up 41% to $335 million, and the Interim Dividend increased by 36% to 12.5 cents per share. The company's safety performance also improved, with reductions in Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate and Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate. Operationally, Aurizon saw volumes remain flat compared to the prior corresponding period, but with strong revenue yield driven by price indexation and disciplined cost control. The company also achieved several key milestones, including the first haulage of BHP's Copper South Australia contract, the largest known road to rail conversion in Australia, and the first haulage of iron ore for Yilgarn Iron and AG River Energy. Aurizon also submitted its proposed UT5+ access undertaking to the Queensland Competition Authority, which is expected to deliver a $45 million per annum revenue uplift compared to the current UT5 undertaking. The company's Board and Management have also completed a comprehensive review of the Group's portfolio composition and determined that neither Network monetisation nor demerger options are expected to create sufficient shareholder value to justify a separation, with long-term shareholder value best achieved by retaining 100% of the Network business.

Aurizon has provided the following forward-looking financial guidance: FY2026 Regulatory volume assumption is 221mt (6.25% higher than FY2025 actual volumes).