The ASX saw one earnings result and four guidance updates this week, with mixed sentiment as companies navigated ongoing operational challenges. PGC provided an update on its Infinity Group recovery, while several companies including HLO and PWR lowered earnings guidance.
Paragon Care Limited (PGC)
Paragon Care provided a recovery update on its Infinity Group exposure, with administrators indicating a preliminary distribution of $11.7-15.8 million representing a 24-32.5% recovery from the administration process. The company has already received $3.4 million from the ATO relating to GST previously paid on Infinity Group receivables, with potential for further recoveries through enforcement of guarantees from Infinity Group owners and directors.
The healthcare services provider forecasted FY26 revenue of $3.7 billion with underlying EBITDA of $95-100 million, as it navigates logistics cost pressures and pricing challenges. Shares rose 6.7% over the week to $0.16. This follows recent analyst coverage suggesting the company's intrinsic value is potentially 32% above its current share price.
Trading Updates & Guidance
Propel Funeral Partners Limited (PFP)
Propel Funeral Partners completed three funeral services acquisitions in New Zealand for up to $9.1 million, with Evans Funeral Services, Leishman Funeral Services, and Collingwood Funeral Home expected to close in Q4 FY26/Q1 FY27 and be earnings accretive in year one. The company provided FY26 guidance of $225-230 million revenue and $54.5-56.5 million operating EBITDA, expecting around 1% funeral volume growth and 2% per-funeral revenue growth.
Despite the expansion plans, shares fell 11.5% over the week to $3.21, with investors weighing the acquisition strategy against current market conditions.
Helloworld Travel Limited (HLO)
Helloworld Travel lowered its FY26 underlying EBITDA guidance to $57-62 million from $64-72 million due to significant disruptions from the Middle East conflict. The geopolitical tensions caused flight cancellations and airline capacity constraints, shifting Q4 FY26 forward air sales from 29% above prior year to 4% below prior year for Australia and New Zealand operations.
Shares declined 3.0% to $1.38 as the travel sector continues to face operational headwinds from global conflicts affecting key routes and destinations.
Peter Warren Automotive Holdings Limited (PWR)
Peter Warren Automotive issued a significant guidance downgrade, lowering FY26 underlying profit before tax guidance to $12-15 million from earlier expectations. The automotive dealer cited deteriorating trading conditions driven by intense new car margin pressure from rapid shifts in customer demand, rising fuel prices, interest rate increases, and cost-of-living pressures.
The company expects to offset headwinds through brand optimisation, expanding new energy vehicle offerings, and growing service, parts, and used car operations. Shares plunged 18.4% to $0.82 as investors reacted to the substantial earnings cut. This comes amid an ACCC review of the company's acquisition plans.
Austco Healthcare Limited (AHC)
Austco Healthcare provided positive FY26 guidance, forecasting revenue of $90-95 million (up 11-17% year-on-year), EBITDA of $14.0-14.6 million, and net profit after tax of $9.0-9.4 million (up 52-58% year-on-year). The growth outlook is supported by strong sales momentum including a major rollout of Pulse Mobile across 180 US hospitals and new contract wins in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Despite the strong earnings outlook, shares fell 26.2% to $0.225 as investors weighed growth prospects against broader healthcare sector sentiment and valuation concerns.
Weekly Price Movers
Notable Shareholder Movements
State Street Corporation emerged as an active buyer across multiple stocks, becoming a substantial holder in SHV (5.54%), SRG (5.11%), EOS (5.76%), and DRR (5.16%). Meanwhile, PLS saw significant institutional reshuffling, with JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and MUFG all ceasing to be substantial holders, while BlackRock and JPMorgan's other entities established new positions. Citigroup also became a substantial holder in MP1 at 5.16%.
Looking ahead, the market continues to navigate earnings season with companies facing varied operational challenges from geopolitical tensions to margin pressures. Investors will be watching for further guidance updates as companies assess the impact of current economic conditions on their FY26 outlooks.