Daily Roundup

Xero delivers blockbuster half-year results with revenue surge and billion-dollar buyback

Xero Ltd is having a stellar year. The accounting software giant reported half-year revenue of $1.7 billion, up a impressive 46% year-over-year, driven by robust customer growth and expanding average revenue per customer. Adjusted EBITDA climbed 3% to $362 million, while free cash flow jumped 32% year-over-year, showcasing the company's ability to convert growth into cash.

The company's customer base now exceeds 5 million, and AI adoption has surged across its platform, with millions of customers already using its AI-powered tools. This momentum has prompted Xero to upgrade its full-year guidance, now expecting revenue between $3.77 billion and $3.83 billion, with adjusted EBITDA landing between $880 million and $920 million.

Perhaps most notably, Xero announced a $1 billion on-market share buyback program to be completed over the next 12 months, signaling management's confidence in the business and commitment to returning value to shareholders. Looking further ahead, the company expects to reach adjusted EBITDA breakeven on a run-rate basis in the second half of FY28, with FY28 revenue potentially exceeding $4.6 billion.

AUB Group lifts guidance on strong FY26 momentum

Insurance broker AUB Group is capitalizing on a stellar FY26 to raise expectations for the year ahead. The company's underlying net profit after tax grew 12.2% to $224.6 million, with margins expanding by 140 basis points to 36.1%. That's the result of disciplined execution across its portfolio, with strong performances from BizCover, International, and Australian Broking divisions, though New Zealand faced headwinds.

For FY27, AUB has lifted its underlying net profit after tax guidance to between $250 million and $265 million, representing growth of 11.3% to 18% over FY26. Since FY19, the company has achieved a compound annual revenue growth rate of 16.7% and underlying net profit after tax growth of 25.1%, demonstrating the power of its acquisition-led strategy and operational improvements. Management remains focused on integrating recent acquisitions, optimizing its portfolio, and deploying capital with discipline to fuel the next phase of growth.

Aura posts solid quarter with new AI engine in tow

Aura Consolidated Group delivered a respectable third quarter, with revenue climbing 24% year-over-year to $87.9 million and annual recurring revenue reaching $355.0 million. The company generated positive adjusted free cash flow of $12.4 million, a $15.5 million improvement from the prior year, while achieving $66 million in total cost savings—surpassing its initial target by $11 million.

The standout moment came with the introduction of Solstice, an in-house AI engine designed to protect families from digital threats. The company also launched Trusted Family Access, extending household defense to aging parents. Aura is reaffirming its full-year 2026 guidance of 20% or higher ARR growth and positive adjusted free cash flow, demonstrating confidence in its trajectory as it continues to innovate its platform.

Regal Partners locks in $122.7M in performance fees

Regal Partners crystallised $122.7 million in fund performance fee revenue for calendar year 2026, with an additional $4.0 million received between July and October. The company doesn't expect material incremental performance fee revenue for the second half of the year, though other income sources like mark-to-market gains, interest, and dividends should have minimal impact on normalized net profit after tax.

Despite market volatility, Regal Partners has maintained strong momentum on the flows front, recording $2.2 billion in net inflows for the ten months ending October 2026. The company's net debt has also improved by $7.3 million since its transaction close, reflecting solid operational execution.

OD6 Metals bolsters fluorspar position with Nevada acquisitions

OD6 Metals is making a strategic push into domestic fluorspar production with the acquisition of the historic Rainbow and Nyco mines in Nevada's Quinn Fluorspar District. The deal adds 20 mining claims to OD6's portfolio, consolidating its position in the region.

Initial sampling has returned exceptional grades, with results up to 89.6% CaF2 at Rainbow and up to 99.9% CaF2 at the nearby Red Bluff prospect. The Rainbow Mine has a storied history dating back to the 1940s, while Nyco has recorded production since the 1950s. The acquisition is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary conditions, as OD6 works to establish the Quinn District as a reliable domestic source of fluorspar for the United States.