Underlying EBITDA Growth
Underlying EBITDA of $55.4 million, a 9% increase on the prior corresponding period (PCP); combined segment EBITDA of ~$63 million for the half, demonstrating overall earnings growth despite integration activity.
Bulk Stockfeeds Strong Performance
Bulk Stockfeeds delivered EBITDA of $27.1 million, up 25% on PCP, driven by volume growth (ruminant +13%, monogastric +7%), higher-margin supplementary feeding, and Ridley Direct commercial gains; result achieved despite $1.7 million of lost earnings in FY'25 from the sold Wadley mill.
Fertiliser Segment Outperformance and Strategic Acquisition
Fertiliser contributed EBITDA of $10.3 million from 3 months (above the top end of expectations and above PCP) due to cost control and margin management. Acquisition summary: total consideration $433 million (cash outlay $357 million), fair value of assets acquired ~$489 million (including ~$386 million working capital). A provisional bargain purchase gain of $56 million was recognized, producing net individually significant gains after tax of $31.4 million in the period.
Strong Operating Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Metrics
Operating cash flow of $128 million. Excluding the acquisition, working capital reduced by $72.5 million and net debt (pro forma/excluding acquisition effects) reduced by $22.4 million. Post-acquisition bank leverage for covenant purposes reported at 0.8x and debtor days remained healthy at 33 days.
Dividend Increase and Capital Allocation Discipline
Board declared a progressive interim dividend of $0.051 per share, fully franked (up from $0.0475 in H1 FY'25, ~+7.4%). Dividend payout is ~59% of underlying NPAT and capital allocation priorities (maintenance capex, targeted leverage range) were maintained.
Cost Savings & Integration Plans
Restructure of the fertiliser business removed 45 roles, targeting ~$8 million per annum in savings from FY'27 (one-off cost ~ $3 million in FY'26). Migration to Ridley ERP (Microsoft Dynamics) estimated at ~$30 million with expected corporate synergies of ~$7 million p.a. from calendar 2027. Targeted debottlenecking investments (e.g., $5.7 million at Lara) and new product lines (1.6 million concentrates line at Gunbower) to support growth.