CochlearCategoriesBusiness
By

Cochlear (ASX: COH) Positions Itself for Further Growth as Implant Adoption Increases

Cochlear Limited has reported another year of growth as more people around the world choose its cochlear and acoustic implants. In FY25, sales revenue rose 4% to about $2.36 billion, helped by higher implant volumes and ongoing demand in developed markets. The company says it helped more than 53,000 people hear through its implant systems during the year.​

Implant adoption gathers pace

Cochlear implant revenue increased 11% to around $1.47 billion, driven by a 12% rise in cochlear implant units to roughly 53,968. The launch of the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa system in Europe and Asia-Pacific supported this growth by giving surgeons and patients a newer, more advanced option. Acoustic implants also grew, although at a slower rate, while Services revenue declined as the earlier wave of sound processor upgrades began to ease.​

Profit growth and investment

Statutory net profit rose around 9%, while underlying net profit edged up about 1% to $392 million, staying within management’s guidance range. Cochlear continued to invest heavily in research and development and digital platforms, aiming to improve clinical workflows and patient outcomes over the long term. Management highlighted that market growth, particularly in developed economies, is being supported by higher adult referrals and broader awareness of implant options.​

Outlook

For FY26, Cochlear is guiding to underlying net profit of $435 million to $460 million, an 11–17% increase on FY25, assuming stable market conditions and no major supply disruptions. The company expects implant unit growth to remain solid as aging populations, expanding candidacy criteria and new technology continue to lift adoption. With a strong balance sheet and a pipeline of new products, Cochlear believes it is well placed to capture more of the growing global implant market.

Disclaimer:

General Financial Product Advice and Regulatory Framework: Pristine Gaze Pty Ltd (ABN 66 680 815 678, ACN 680 815 678) operates as Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 001312049) of Alpha Securities Pty Ltd (AFSL 330757), which is licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This report contains general financial product advice only and has been prepared without consideration of your personal objectives, financial situation, specific needs, circumstances, or investment experience. The information is not tailored to individual circumstances and may not be suitable for your particular situation. Before acting on any information contained herein, you should carefully consider its appropriateness having regard to your personal objectives, financial situation, and needs, and consider seeking personal financial advice from a qualified financial adviser who can assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored recommendations.

Investment Risks and Market Warnings: All investments carry significant risk, and different investment strategies may carry varying levels of risk exposure including total loss of invested capital. The value of investments and income derived from them can fluctuate significantly due to market conditions, economic factors, company-specific events, regulatory changes, commodity price volatility, currency fluctuations, interest rate movements, and other factors beyond our control. Securities markets are subject to market risk from general economic conditions and investor sentiment, liquidity risk affecting the ability to buy or sell securities at desired prices, credit risk from issuer default or deterioration, operational risk from inadequate internal processes, sector-specific risks including industry regulatory changes, technology obsolescence, management changes, competitive pressures, supply chain disruptions, and mining-specific risks including resource estimation uncertainty, operational hazards, environmental compliance, permitting delays, commodity price cycles, geopolitical factors affecting mining operations, and exploration risks. Small-cap and speculative mining stocks carry additional risks including limited liquidity, higher volatility, dependence on key personnel, limited operating history, uncertain cash flows, and potential failure to achieve commercial production.

Information Accuracy and Limitations: While we endeavour to ensure information accuracy and reliability, we make no representations or warranties (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of information provided, except where liability cannot be excluded under applicable law. This report may include information from third-party sources including company announcements, regulatory filings, research reports, market data providers, financial news services, and publicly available information, which we do not independently verify and for which we assume no responsibility. Past performance, examples, historical data, or projections are not indicative of future results, and no guarantee of future returns is provided or implied. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Pristine Gaze Pty Ltd and Alpha Securities Pty Ltd, together with their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, and related entities, exclude all liability for any errors, omissions, inaccuracies, loss or damage (including direct, indirect, consequential, or special damages) arising from reliance on information provided, investment decisions made based on this report, market losses, opportunity costs, and technical issues or system failures.

REITCategoriesBusiness
By

Arena REIT (ASX: ARF) Shows Earnings Growth in FY25 and Signals Higher Distributions Ahead

Arena reported solid earnings growth for the full year ended June 30, 2025, with net operating profit reaching $73 million, up 17% from the previous year. This translated to operating earnings per security of 18.55 cents, a 5.1% increase, driven by rental income growth and new property acquisitions. The company also distributed 18.25 cents per security, marking a 4.9% rise year-on-year.

Strong Financial Position

Net profit jumped 44.6% to $82 million, reflecting gains from property valuations and developments completed in recent years. Gearing remained low at 22.8%, just slightly above last year’s 22.6%, showing prudent balance sheet management. Contracted rent reviews and market uplifts were key factors supporting this performance.​

Outlook for Distributions

Arena REIT guided for FY2026 distributions of 19.25 cents per security, signaling 5.5% growth over FY2025 levels. Managing Director emphasized the company’s focus on disciplined investments in social infrastructure assets like early learning centers and NDIS facilities. This positions ARF for continued income stability amid a strong property pipeline.​

Investor Takeaways

These results highlight Arena’s resilience in the REIT sector, with assets growing to support future earnings. Investors can expect reliable payouts backed by long-term leases and development wins, making it attractive for income focused portfolios.

Disclaimer:

General Financial Product Advice and Regulatory Framework: Pristine Gaze Pty Ltd (ABN 66 680 815 678, ACN 680 815 678) operates as Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 001312049) of Alpha Securities Pty Ltd (AFSL 330757), which is licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This report contains general financial product advice only and has been prepared without consideration of your personal objectives, financial situation, specific needs, circumstances, or investment experience. The information is not tailored to individual circumstances and may not be suitable for your particular situation. Before acting on any information contained herein, you should carefully consider its appropriateness having regard to your personal objectives, financial situation, and needs, and consider seeking personal financial advice from a qualified financial adviser who can assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored recommendations.

Investment Risks and Market Warnings: All investments carry significant risk, and different investment strategies may carry varying levels of risk exposure including total loss of invested capital. The value of investments and income derived from them can fluctuate significantly due to market conditions, economic factors, company-specific events, regulatory changes, commodity price volatility, currency fluctuations, interest rate movements, and other factors beyond our control. Securities markets are subject to market risk from general economic conditions and investor sentiment, liquidity risk affecting the ability to buy or sell securities at desired prices, credit risk from issuer default or deterioration, operational risk from inadequate internal processes, sector-specific risks including industry regulatory changes, technology obsolescence, management changes, competitive pressures, supply chain disruptions, and mining-specific risks including resource estimation uncertainty, operational hazards, environmental compliance, permitting delays, commodity price cycles, geopolitical factors affecting mining operations, and exploration risks. Small-cap and speculative mining stocks carry additional risks including limited liquidity, higher volatility, dependence on key personnel, limited operating history, uncertain cash flows, and potential failure to achieve commercial production.

Information Accuracy and Limitations: While we endeavour to ensure information accuracy and reliability, we make no representations or warranties (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of information provided, except where liability cannot be excluded under applicable law. This report may include information from third-party sources including company announcements, regulatory filings, research reports, market data providers, financial news services, and publicly available information, which we do not independently verify and for which we assume no responsibility. Past performance, examples, historical data, or projections are not indicative of future results, and no guarantee of future returns is provided or implied. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Pristine Gaze Pty Ltd and Alpha Securities Pty Ltd, together with their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, and related entities, exclude all liability for any errors, omissions, inaccuracies, loss or damage (including direct, indirect, consequential, or special damages) arising from reliance on information provided, investment decisions made based on this report, market losses, opportunity costs, and technical issues or system failures.

Interest ratesCategoriesBusiness
By

CBA’s call: Interest rates may rise in the new year. What’s the timeline?

Commonwealth Bank of Australia now expects the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to lift interest rates early in the new year, rather than keep cutting or holding through 2026. CBA’s economists are flagging one 0.25% rate rise, which would take the cash rate from 3.60% to about 3.85%.​

What CBA is saying about Interest Rates

CBA’s economics team has shifted its view after stronger‑than‑expected inflation and growth data. They believe the economy is running hotter than the RBA is comfortable with, and that a modest rate hike is needed to keep inflation heading back toward the 2–3% target band. The bank now assumes just one rise is enough, but it concedes more hikes are possible if inflation stays sticky.​

The likely timeline

CBA’s base case is for a single 25 basis point move in February, at the first RBA meeting of the year. After that, it expects the cash rate to stay on hold for the rest of 2026, giving the RBA time to see how households and businesses cope with higher repayments. Other forecasters, such as NAB, are more aggressive and tip two hikes, in February and May, while some global banks still think the RBA could wait longer.​

Why it matters for borrowers

If CBA is right, home loan and business loan rates could edge higher within weeks, adding pressure to already stretched borrowers. For households, this means planning for at least one more rise in repayments and being cautious about new debt. For savers, a higher cash rate may support slightly better returns on savings accounts and term deposits, although banks do not always pass on the full increase.

Disclaimer:

General Financial Product Advice and Regulatory Framework: Pristine Gaze Pty Ltd (ABN 66 680 815 678, ACN 680 815 678) operates as Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 001312049) of Alpha Securities Pty Ltd (AFSL 330757), which is licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This report contains general financial product advice only and has been prepared without consideration of your personal objectives, financial situation, specific needs, circumstances, or investment experience. The information is not tailored to individual circumstances and may not be suitable for your particular situation. Before acting on any information contained herein, you should carefully consider its appropriateness having regard to your personal objectives, financial situation, and needs, and consider seeking personal financial advice from a qualified financial adviser who can assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored recommendations.

Investment Risks and Market Warnings: All investments carry significant risk, and different investment strategies may carry varying levels of risk exposure including total loss of invested capital. The value of investments and income derived from them can fluctuate significantly due to market conditions, economic factors, company-specific events, regulatory changes, commodity price volatility, currency fluctuations, interest rate movements, and other factors beyond our control. Securities markets are subject to market risk from general economic conditions and investor sentiment, liquidity risk affecting the ability to buy or sell securities at desired prices, credit risk from issuer default or deterioration, operational risk from inadequate internal processes, sector-specific risks including industry regulatory changes, technology obsolescence, management changes, competitive pressures, supply chain disruptions, and mining-specific risks including resource estimation uncertainty, operational hazards, environmental compliance, permitting delays, commodity price cycles, geopolitical factors affecting mining operations, and exploration risks. Small-cap and speculative mining stocks carry additional risks including limited liquidity, higher volatility, dependence on key personnel, limited operating history, uncertain cash flows, and potential failure to achieve commercial production.

Information Accuracy and Limitations: While we endeavour to ensure information accuracy and reliability, we make no representations or warranties (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of information provided, except where liability cannot be excluded under applicable law. This report may include information from third-party sources including company announcements, regulatory filings, research reports, market data providers, financial news services, and publicly available information, which we do not independently verify and for which we assume no responsibility. Past performance, examples, historical data, or projections are not indicative of future results, and no guarantee of future returns is provided or implied. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Pristine Gaze Pty Ltd and Alpha Securities Pty Ltd, together with their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, and related entities, exclude all liability for any errors, omissions, inaccuracies, loss or damage (including direct, indirect, consequential, or special damages) arising from reliance on information provided, investment decisions made based on this report, market losses, opportunity costs, and technical issues or system failures.

Electro Optic SystemsCategoriesBusiness
By

US$80 Million Conditional Contract Puts Electro Optic Systems (ASX: EOS) Under the Market Lens

Electro Optic Systems Holdings (ASX: EOS) has signed a conditional contract worth about US$80 million with a defence customer in the Republic of Korea. The deal covers the manufacture and supply of a 100kW high‑energy laser weapon system, along with support, training and integration work over several years.

What the contract involves

Under the agreement, EOS will deliver a complete high‑energy laser weapon, designed mainly for defence against drones and other airborne threats. The contract is described as “binding but conditional”, meaning it will only fully take effect once export permits, regulatory approvals and some technical milestones are met. Payments are expected to be staged over the project life as EOS hits agreed milestones.

Why the market is watching EOS

This contract is important because it turns EOS’s laser weapon technology from a development project into a major commercial order. The deal follows earlier wins in remote weapon systems and adds to an already growing backlog, improving revenue visibility for the next few years. The news pushed EOS shares sharply higher, with the stock jumping and trading at its highest level in weeks.​

What it could mean for the future

Management has flagged that the agreement could be the first step toward deeper cooperation in Korea, including potential joint venture structures and future follow‑on orders if the system performs well. For investors, the key issues now are execution risk, timing of cash flows and how quickly EOS can turn this showcase Korean project into repeat business in other markets. If successful, the contract could help reposition EOS as a leading player in high‑energy laser defence systems globally.

Disclaimer:

General Financial Product Advice and Regulatory Framework: Pristine Gaze Pty Ltd (ABN 66 680 815 678, ACN 680 815 678) operates as Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 001312049) of Alpha Securities Pty Ltd (AFSL 330757), which is licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This report contains general financial product advice only and has been prepared without consideration of your personal objectives, financial situation, specific needs, circumstances, or investment experience. The information is not tailored to individual circumstances and may not be suitable for your particular situation. Before acting on any information contained herein, you should carefully consider its appropriateness having regard to your personal objectives, financial situation, and needs, and consider seeking personal financial advice from a qualified financial adviser who can assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored recommendations.

Investment Risks and Market Warnings: All investments carry significant risk, and different investment strategies may carry varying levels of risk exposure including total loss of invested capital. The value of investments and income derived from them can fluctuate significantly due to market conditions, economic factors, company-specific events, regulatory changes, commodity price volatility, currency fluctuations, interest rate movements, and other factors beyond our control. Securities markets are subject to market risk from general economic conditions and investor sentiment, liquidity risk affecting the ability to buy or sell securities at desired prices, credit risk from issuer default or deterioration, operational risk from inadequate internal processes, sector-specific risks including industry regulatory changes, technology obsolescence, management changes, competitive pressures, supply chain disruptions, and mining-specific risks including resource estimation uncertainty, operational hazards, environmental compliance, permitting delays, commodity price cycles, geopolitical factors affecting mining operations, and exploration risks. Small-cap and speculative mining stocks carry additional risks including limited liquidity, higher volatility, dependence on key personnel, limited operating history, uncertain cash flows, and potential failure to achieve commercial production.

Information Accuracy and Limitations: While we endeavour to ensure information accuracy and reliability, we make no representations or warranties (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, reliability, completeness, timeliness, or suitability of information provided, except where liability cannot be excluded under applicable law. This report may include information from third-party sources including company announcements, regulatory filings, research reports, market data providers, financial news services, and publicly available information, which we do not independently verify and for which we assume no responsibility. Past performance, examples, historical data, or projections are not indicative of future results, and no guarantee of future returns is provided or implied. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Pristine Gaze Pty Ltd and Alpha Securities Pty Ltd, together with their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, and related entities, exclude all liability for any errors, omissions, inaccuracies, loss or damage (including direct, indirect, consequential, or special damages) arising from reliance on information provided, investment decisions made based on this report, market losses, opportunity costs, and technical issues or system failures.