{
  "id": 1598910,
  "title": "Mercury FY26 slides: record earnings, raised targets, dividend review",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/mercury-fy26-slides-record-earnings-raised-targets-dividend-review",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-18T00:27:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/mercury-fy26-slides-record-earnings-raised-targets-dividend-review-93CH-4864133"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mercury NZ Limited reported a record financial performance for fiscal year 2026, achieving $1,068 million in EBITDA and exceeding all guidance metrics. Chief Executive Stew Hamilton highlighted the year as one of proven delivery with significant renewable energy investments. The company's EBITDA increased by 36% compared to the previous year, while maintaining strict cost discipline. The presentation was made by Hamilton, CFO Richard Hopkins, and Head of Business Performance Paul Ruediger. Shares of the company rose 1.99% to $5.63 after the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in its growth strategy. The company's revenue also improved, with operating cashflow surging 58% to $762 million. Mercury's debt-to-EBITDA ratio remained at 2.0x, down from 2.5x in the prior year, reflecting disciplined financial management. The company's renewable generation output climbed by 15% to 9,070 GWh, driven by higher output from hydro, geothermal, and wind sources. The company achieved cost reductions of $26 million (6.6%) from the previous year, despite inflationary pressures and ongoing transformation activities. Mercury's retail business saw strong momentum, with total connections growing by 35,000 to reach 936,000, and the company surpassing 50,000 mobile connections. The company also invested $150 million in capital expenditure, focusing on critical hydro refurbishment programs and new renewable projects.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}