Daily Roundup

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Aussie Broadband Expands Reach with AGL Telco Acquisition

Aussie Broadband has signed an agreement to acquire the telecommunications business of AGL Energy, including its customer assets. This strategic move will add an estimated 350,000 broadband and mobile connections to Aussie Broadband's customer base, strengthening its position as a leading provider.

Importantly, the two companies have also entered a long-term exclusive partnership to drive continued growth. This will leverage Aussie Broadband's network infrastructure and customer service expertise, combined with AGL's strong brand and existing customer base.

The acquisition is expected to be earnings-accretive in the first year following migration completion, with estimated revenue of $235 million and underlying EBITDA of $21 million. Aussie Broadband aims to grow the AGL Telco connections to over 500,000 within five years.

CSL Maintains Guidance Amid Transformation Progress

CSL has reported its half-year results, with revenue down 4% and underlying NPATA down 7% on a constant currency basis. The performance was impacted by government policy changes and one-off restructuring costs.

Despite the challenges, the company's transformation program is progressing well, delivering value through organizational simplification and growth investments. CSL maintained its FY26 guidance, expecting strong second-half performance driven by growth in immunoglobulin, albumin, and newly launched products.

The company's balance sheet remains robust, enabling the expansion of its share buyback program to $750 million. CSL continues to focus on driving revenue growth, profitability, and shareholder returns through its leading positions in large and growing markets.

Southern Cross Electrical Secures $75 Million in New Contracts

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited has announced the award of $75 million in new contracts, further strengthening its position across diverse sectors and geographies.

The contracts include a two-year Master Services Agreement with CITIC Pacific Mining, additional data center works with Taylor Construction Group, and the main electrical package for the new Canberra Lyric Theatre. These awards demonstrate the company's geographic reach and the breadth of sectors it serves.

The announcement highlights Southern Cross Electrical's ability to secure repeat business from existing clients, a testament to the quality of its service delivery.

Commonwealth Bank Delivers Solid Half-Year Results

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has reported a strong half-year performance, with a 5% increase in statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) and a 6% increase in cash NPAT.

The bank maintained a robust capital position, with a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 12.3%, and paid an interim dividend of $2.35 per share, fully franked.

CBA's results were supported by lending and deposit volume growth, although this was partly offset by lower margins and higher operating expenses. The bank's credit quality improved, with loan impairment expense decreasing and home loan arrears declining.

Looking ahead, CBA expects inflation to remain above the Reserve Bank's target, placing further upward pressure on interest rates. The bank will continue to support its customers and invest in technology to enhance customer experiences and combat financial crime.

GQG Partners Reports January 2026 Funds Under Management

GQG Partners Inc. has announced its funds under management (FUM) as of 31 January 2026, totaling $165.7 billion. This reflects net outflows of $4.2 billion across all of the company's investment strategies, offset by $6.0 billion in investment performance gains.

The announcement provides a snapshot of GQG's FUM, which includes both discretionary and non-discretionary funds, as well as fee-paying and non-fee-paying funds managed or advised by the company.