Record EBITDAF and Strong Cash Conversion
Reported EBITDAF of $537 million, up 28% on the prior comparable period, with operating cash flow of $531 million. Management emphasized high quality earnings and strong conversion of earnings to cash.
Resilient Generation and Volume Growth
Generation volumes increased by 0.5 TWh in the half; hydro inflows were at the 85th percentile driving strong hydro generation (record generation in July). Hydro acted as the flexibility engine, supporting earnings and cash.
Disciplined Cost Control and OpEx Progress
OpEx down materially versus prior year; guidance maintained at $370 million for FY26 (down from $396m FY25). OpEx per connection fell 4% versus the prior calendar period and 16% below HY2024, driven by people savings, timing of maintenance and lower consulting spend.
On-time, On-budget Project Delivery
Ngatamariki OEC5 geothermal (50 MW) commissioned in January 2026 on time and on budget. Two wind projects (Kaiwera Downs 2 and Kaiwaikawe) are under construction and tracking to deliver on time and on budget, together providing power equivalent to ~140,000 homes.
Major Hydro Investment FID to Protect Long-term Capacity
Board approved final investment decision (FID) for $590 million to upgrade three hydro stations (Maraetai I, Ohakuri, Atiamuri) adding +76 MW capacity and ~87 GWh/year, with construction and works phased over the next decade to protect asset resilience.
Balanced Investment and Strong Balance Sheet Management
Net debt increased modestly by $60 million to $2.243 billion while funding growth: approximately 50% of EBITDAF was reinvested. Debt-to-EBITDA at 2.2x (within target 2–3x), undrawn facilities of $465 million and proactive refinancing plans for a $200 million green bond.
Customer Growth and Improved Unit Economics
Multiproduct customers now ~40% (2+ products). Connections increased by ~30,000. Fibre customers exceed 150,000 and broadband penetration >94% of the base. Management reports improving unit economics via multiproduct pricing and lower cost-to-serve.
Clear FY26 Guidance and Progressive Dividend
Full-year guidance unchanged: EBITDAF $1.0 billion (based on 4.4 TWh hydro), OpEx $370 million, stay-in-business CapEx $150 million, dividend guidance $0.25. Interim dividend declared $0.10, up 4%.
Pipeline Growth and Development Capability
Generation pipeline expanded by ~2 TWh with a target of 3.5 TWh by 2030. Geothermal and wind development capabilities rebuilt (8-well drilling program completed); management expects further geothermal projects (targeting one pre-2030) and staged BESS development to firm renewables.
Safety and People Progress
Total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) for the calendar year at 0.39, with ongoing improvements in health, safety and well-being programs and recent senior executive hires to strengthen customer, sustainability and people functions.