The ASX saw 4 actual earnings results and 4 trading updates this week out of 127 total announcements, with mixed outcomes across different sectors. BEN led the guidance updates with strong Q3 performance and strategic partnerships, while ORA delivered disappointing news with significant downgrades due to Middle East conflict impacts. Overall sentiment remained neutral with 4 positive and 2 negative announcements among the key results.
Earnings Results
Sandfire Resources (SFR)
Sandfire Resources announced that its March 2026 quarterly report will be released on 23 April 2026, with a teleconference scheduled for the same date. No financial metrics were disclosed in this advisory announcement. The stock gained 6.4% to $17.42 during the week. The announcement comes amid recent reports that the company posted Q3 FY26 operations highlights and maintained guidance, with analysts noting the stock is up 94% and questioning whether it remains a buy in 2026.
BKI Investment Company Limited (BKI)
BKI Investment Company reported strong portfolio performance for the March 2026 quarter, driven by exceptional gains in energy holdings. Key positions including New Hope (up 67.1% year-to-date), Woodside Energy (up 60.6% YTD), and Ampol (up 21.9% YTD) benefited from elevated energy prices and geopolitical disruptions to global energy markets. The company's disciplined focus on high-quality, cash-generative businesses with defensive earnings characteristics positioned it well during the period. BKI shares traded at $1.73 with no weekly change reported.
29Metals Limited (29M)
29Metals announced conference call details for its March 2026 quarterly report, scheduled for release on 29 April 2026. The announcement contained only logistical information for the earnings webcast, with no financial results or guidance provided. Shares rose 9.2% to $0.39 during the week. This follows news that the company swung to a $35 million profit, though recent analyst coverage has downgraded the stock to "underperform" following its rally.
Scout Security Limited (SCT)
Scout Security reported challenging half-year results to December 31, 2025, with revenue falling 51.9% to $0.4 million and a net loss widening significantly to $10.5 million. The loss was primarily driven by a $9.1 million goodwill impairment related to the Roo Inc. acquisition completed in December 2025. Earnings per share were negative $0.68. The company raised $1.1 million in capital ($0.8 million equity, $0.3 million debt) to support the acquisition and integration costs. Despite the challenges, management reduced net operating cash outflow by 13% year-on-year to $0.7 million. Scout shares were unchanged at $0.007 during the week.
Trading Updates & Guidance
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (BEN)
Bendigo Bank delivered strong Q3 2026 results with cash earnings of $137.9 million, up 7.6% on the first-half average, and announced strategic partnerships with Infosys and Genpact expected to deliver $65-75 million in annual expense benefits by FY28. The bank reported a net interest margin of 1.98% and lending growth of 5.6% annualised. However, the partnerships will require $85-95 million in upfront transition costs and result in workforce changes in technology and operations teams. BEN shares surged 12.5% to $11.39, leading the ASX 200 as earnings beat expectations following reports that the bank joins the sector jobs cull after reaching tech outsourcing deals.
Orora (ORA)
Orora downgraded FY26 EBIT guidance for its Saverglass division to €52-59 million from prior guidance of €79.2 million, citing direct impacts of €9-11 million from closing its UAE facility due to Middle East conflict disruptions. The company also faces indirect impacts of €11-16 million from lower volumes and unfavorable product mix shifts toward lower-margin wine and champagne products. ORA shares fell 19.7% to $1.50 during the week. The announcement follows reports that the company is impacted by the Iran war, though some analysts question whether conditions are as dire as investors fear.
Vmoto Limited (VMT)
Electric vehicle company Vmoto issued strong FY26 sales guidance of $73.5-85 million, representing 57-82% growth versus FY25. The growth is driven by increased orders from existing and new customers, including partnerships with Uber and expansion in last-mile delivery markets across international regions. VMT shares gained 18.2% to $0.091 during the week. This follows recent reports of strong sales improvement backed by new strategies and agreements, along with a board appointment of a non-executive director.
Orbital Corporation Limited (OEC)
Orbital Corporation secured a US$1.1 million initial order from a Middle East sovereign government customer for 50HFE propulsion systems and Power Management Systems, marking its entry into the Middle East market. The company also signed a long-term distribution agreement with the customer to become a UAV propulsion partner, with potential for additional engine models and expected completion by August 2026. Despite the positive news, OEC shares declined 6.7% to $0.14 during the week. Recent coverage suggests investors are betting on defence tailwinds, with the stock up 36% despite analyst caution about what the share price gain isn't telling investors.
Weekly Price Movers
Notable Shareholder Movements
Several significant institutional movements were recorded this week, with UBS Group becoming a substantial holder in National Storage REIT at 10.54%. Citigroup crossed the 5% threshold in Flight Centre Travel Group at 5.11%, while State Street Corporation became substantial holders in both Electro Optic Systems Holdings (5.11%) and Chalice Mining (5.41%). The Vanguard Group also established a 5.00% position in Ramsay Health Care. Notably, Macquarie Group was active across multiple positions, both acquiring and divesting stakes in various companies including becoming a 5.01% holder in HLS while ceasing substantial positions in several others including VNT, BVS, and ACL.
Looking ahead, the earnings calendar remains light with most companies having completed their quarterly reporting cycles. The focus will likely shift to upcoming full-year results as companies approach the end of their financial years, with market attention continuing to monitor geopolitical developments and their impact on resource and energy sectors.