Daily Roundup

Neuren Pharmaceuticals is riding high on strong momentum for its flagship drug DAYBUE. The pharmaceutical company reported a impressive 39% jump in Q3 2026 net sales compared to the same quarter last year, with the drug hitting US$140 million in quarterly revenue. The real excitement came from a US$35 million milestone payment following DAYBUE's launch in Germany, signaling successful international expansion. With partner Acadia Pharmaceuticals also lifting its full-year global guidance for the drug to US$505-520 million, Neuren has upgraded its own full-year 2026 expectations to US$91-93 million in total income from trofinetide. The company is clearly banking on continued momentum from strong uptake and potential new launches across Europe.

Over in the wealth and accounting space, Count Limited is making a bold move to consolidate the sector. The company has announced plans to acquire a 75% majority stake in Skybridge Financial, a Sydney-based firm that brings together accounting and financial planning services. The deal, expected to close in Q3 FY2027, will give Count access to Skybridge's 82 accountants, 13 financial advisers, and a substantial $1.4 billion in Funds Under Advice. Count is expecting the acquisition to deliver mid to high single-digit earnings per share accretion on a pro forma basis, even before factoring in synergies. The transaction will be partially funded through a $25 million institutional placement, with the remainder coming from existing cash reserves, debt facilities, and share issuance. Count's shares were halted from trading pending the announcement, but the company clearly sees this as a strategic piece in building Australia's leading integrated wealth and accounting platform.

Real estate portal REA Group delivered solid first-quarter results for FY27. Revenue climbed 11% year-on-year to $450 million, while EBITDA excluding associates grew 12% to $294 million. The growth was driven by strong double-digit controllable yield expansion in the core residential business, and engagement metrics painted an encouraging picture with active members up 9% and properties tracked by owners jumping 13%. Despite market headwinds, REA Group is maintaining its focus on productivity and cost discipline, with management targeting low double-digit yield growth and operational margin expansion as the year progresses.

The automotive sector is showing resilience despite broader economic pressures. Eagers Automotive reported that while the third quarter faced industry-wide headwinds from elevated interest rates, inflation, and higher fuel prices, the company is still on track for a record-breaking year. Full-year reported revenue is expected to land between $17.3 billion and $17.5 billion, representing at least a 30% jump from the prior year. The standout performer has been CanadaOne Auto, which delivered third-quarter results above expectations and is eyeing significant expansion opportunities in North America. Underlying return on sales is forecast to come in at 2.8%-3.0%, a performance that would significantly outpace the broader industry.

Gold miner St Barbara has reached a key milestone at its Touquoy restart project. The company commenced ore processing on November 3, 2026, and is targeting full production capacity by the end of December, with first gold doré expected in January 2027. For FY27, St Barbara is guiding for gold production between 17,000 and 21,000 ounces at all-in sustaining costs of A$2,070 to A$2,560 per ounce. The company has also outlined growth capital expenditure of A$40-50 million, Touquoy reclamation costs of A$24-30 million, and exploration spending of A$6-7 million. The restart represents a significant step forward for the company and a boost for Nova Scotia's mining sector.