Strong operating cash flow and EBITDAF
Operating cash flow for H1 FY26 was $336 million and EBITDAF was $506 million. EBITDAF rose 97% versus the prior financial year first half and EBITDAF is $249 million higher than the equivalent period July–December 2024.
Improved underlying profitability
Underlying NPAT of $143 million versus a $5 million loss in the prior first half period. Fair-value hedge movements contributed a $120 million gain before tax in the period (vs a $154 million loss in prior year), helping comparability.
Retail growth and stronger retail margins
Retail sales increased by $133 million (two-thirds driven by volume). Retail sales volumes were up 12% overall and mass market volumes up 16%. Net average price across mass market customers was ~10% higher, contributing $117 million additional revenue.
Higher generation volumes and record wind output
Generation volumes were 892 GWh (14%) higher than the prior July–December period, driven by record wind output and the second-highest hydro inflows on record. Wind farm availability increased from <90% in May 2025 to >92% by December 2025, supporting record first-half wind generation.
Energy margin improvements
Physical energy margin increased by $246 million. Financial energy margin rose by $20 million aided by higher physical generation and active ASX contracting (sold an additional 953 GWh of ASX contracts during the period). Demand response costs declined by $72 million.
Balance sheet and funding strength
Total borrowings $1.9 billion, net debt $1.7 billion. Net debt-to-EBITDAF down to 1.9x from 2.5x in June. Simplified funding with a $1 billion committed syndicated bank facility and issuance of $350 million 6.5-year unsecured green bonds.
Progressive dividend resumed
Interim ordinary dividend increased 4% to $0.0640 per share (from $0.0615), imputed at 85%, with a dividend reinvestment plan applied at a 2% discount to VWAP.
Large growth pipeline and committed investments
Since 2024 Meridian added 542 GWh of new generation and has 702 GWh under construction. The company expects to commit to projects adding ~1,300 GWh over the next 12 months, with constructed/in-construction/consented projects >2,500 GWh (growth >15% when complete). Additional 720 GWh in consenting and ~2,900 GWh expected to enter consenting over 24 months.
CapEx and guidance maintained
H1 CapEx was $86 million (growth CapEx $53 million). Full-year CapEx guidance remains $330–$360 million. Operating guidance (expenses) unchanged at $311–$316 million with the latest forecast at the higher end.