The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price is in focus after the company delivered a strong operating update for September 2026, with record first quarter generation and robust storage levels.

What did Meridian Energy report?

• Q1 2027 hydro inflows 154% of historical average, up 29% on Q1 last year
• Q1 generation up 18.9% year-on-year, setting a new quarterly record
• Average generation price 64.3% lower compared to Q1 last year
• Total operating costs rose 1.1% while capital expenditure nearly doubled, up 93.9%
• Total retail sales volumes in Q1 fell 3.0% year-on-year
• Customer numbers at quarter end were 0.9% lower than a year ago

What else do investors need to know?

September 2026 featured mild weather, with inflows into Meridian’s lakes at 150% of historical average. Hydro storage stayed well above long-term norms—Waitaki water storage finished the quarter at 183% of the historical average, and Waiau at 133%.

Retail sales volumes slipped year-on-year, particularly in agriculture (down 21.4%) and corporate (down 10.6%), but small and medium business volumes rose 11.7% and large business was up 9.2%. More than half of Meridian’s customer base has now been moved onto the Kraken digital platform, supporting operational efficiency.

Guidance for FY27 total capital expenditure remains unchanged at $370 million to $410 million. Of this, “stay in business” spend is forecast at $110–$120 million, growth capital expenditure at $220–$250 million, and repowering outlays at $40 million.

What did Meridian Energy management say?

Chief Executive Mike Roan said:

Despite mild weather during September, we continue to have inflows and lake storage that are well above historical averages. These factors enabled us to maintain high levels of hydro generation, lifting our overall generation for the first quarter of a financial year to a record level. It was also pleasing to see a return to growth in customer numbers, while we have now migrated more than half of all our customers onto the Kraken platform.

What’s next for Meridian Energy?

Meridian is maintaining its investment plans, with a clear focus on asset renewal, network growth, and repowering projects. Strong hydro conditions underpin its generation outlook, while the integration of more customers onto the Kraken platform is expected to drive further operational benefits.

The company is also closely monitoring market conditions, including forward electricity pricing and changing demand patterns—especially as weather trends and the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter’s load both remain key factors for the sector.

Meridian Energy share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months Meridian Energy shares have declined 14%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

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The post Meridian Energy posts record Q1 hydro generation in FY27 update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Regis Resources Ltd (ASX: RRL) share price is in focus today after the company reported steady first-quarter gold production and a strong cash and bullion position of $1.28 billion.

What did Regis Resources report?

• Group gold production of 83,000 ounces for Q1 FY27, meeting expectations despite heavy September rainfall
• All-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $3,617 per ounce, including $114/oz in non-cash costs
• Gold sales of 74,500 ounces generated $454 million in revenue with an average realised price of $6,088/oz
• Operating cash flow of $265 million, with $146 million pre-tax cash and bullion generated in the quarter
• Cash and bullion increased to $1.28 billion as of 30 September 2026
• Post-quarter, $152 million in fully franked final FY26 dividends paid (20 cents per share)

What else do investors need to know?

The first quarter’s production was impacted by significant rainfall at Duketon, which temporarily delayed access to higher-grade ore and increased reliance on lower-grade stockpiles. Both Duketon and Tropicana operations retained full-year guidance, with managers flagging a stronger second half as multiple new open pits ramp up.

Regis received a $51 million break fee from Vault Minerals following the termination of their proposed merger, supporting quarter-on-quarter growth in cash and bullion. After period end, board succession plans were actioned, with Chairman James Mactier and director Fiona Morgan set to retire following the Annual General Meeting, and Ian Macliver joining as chairman-elect.

What did Regis Resources management say?

Regis Resources Managing Director and CEO Jim Beyer commented:

Group gold production of 83.0koz for the September quarter was in line with our expectations accounting for the significant rainfall in September. This event delayed access to higher grade open pit ore and inhibited ore haulage. Our all-in sustaining costs of $3,617/oz reflected this quarter’s lower production. Production will progressively increase over FY27, as previously guided. Cash and bullion increased by $93 million over the quarter to $1.28 billion, after $53 million in tax payments and including the $51 million break fee received from Vault Minerals. Reflecting the strength of our performance in the second half of the FY26 year we declared fully franked final dividends (ordinary and special) of $152 million to shareholders during the quarter. We welcome the Federal Court’s finding that the Section 10 Declaration over part of the McPhillamys site is legally invalid, which vindicates the position we have held since August 2024. The judgment adds important potential optionality alongside the alternative development pathway we continue to progress, and we look forward to engaging constructively through the redetermination process. As we begin to implement the Board succession and renewal plan, I want to thank James Mactier and Fiona Morgan for their significant contribution over more than a decade on the Board. This was a period in which Regis acquired its 30% interest in Tropicana and Duketon became a significant underground operation. I also welcome Ian Macliver, who brings extensive experience as a director and chair in the mining sector, and look forward to working with him as Chairman-elect.

What’s next for Regis Resources?

Looking ahead, management reaffirmed full-year production and cost guidance, expecting output to be weighted towards the second half of FY27 as new open pits at Duketon come online. Exploration activity continues, with promising drilling results at Rosemont Underground and ongoing development work at McPhillamys after favourable legal developments.

Investors should note some upcoming cash outflows, including a “catch-up” FY26 tax payment of about $220–240 million and the final dividend payment. The Board renewal process continues, aiming to ensure smooth leadership transition and continuity.

Regis Resources share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Regis Resources shares have risen 12%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has declined 2% over the same period.

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The post Regis Resources posts Q1 FY27 production, grows cash and bullion position appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

JB Hi-Fi Ltd vs Lovisa shares: Which retailer might bounce back harder?

If you’re eyeing the next potential bargain in Australian retail, you might be weighing up JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) and Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV). Both are iconic ASX retailers that have seen their share prices drop this year, leaving many investors asking: Which is more likely to double from here? Let’s dig into the fundamentals, value, and momentum for both JB Hi-Fi and Lovisa.

The case for JB Hi-Fi

JB Hi-Fi is one of Australia and New Zealand’s best-known specialty retailers, focusing on consumer electronics, white goods, and home entertainment through brands including JB Hi-Fi itself, The Good Guys, and e&s. The company operates large-format stores and a growing online presence, appealing to value-focused shoppers chasing tech and appliances.

Looking at JB Hi-Fi’s key fundamentals:

• Market cap: $7.81 billion
• P/E ratio: 16.12
• Dividend yield: 4.68% (fully franked)
• Earnings per share: $4.467
• Year to date return: -21.66%

That juicy fully franked dividend (100% franked) appeals to income investors, while the P/E ratio suggests a more moderate valuation than Lovisa. The company’s long track record, defensive category mix, and brand recognition might appeal if you think beaten-down retailers are primed for a comeback.

JB Hi-Fi operates a substantial retail network across Australia and New Zealand, supported by a steadily growing online channel – though the actual store count isn’t specified in the current data.

The case for Lovisa

Lovisa is a global fast-fashion jewellery and accessories retailer. Launched in 2010, Lovisa has scaled up rapidly, with stores now spanning over 50 countries. The chain sells trendy and affordable jewellery, targeting style-conscious customers wanting the latest looks, both in brick-and-mortar stores and online.

Lovisa’s standout metrics include:

• Market cap: $2.68 billion
• P/E ratio: 28.32
• Dividend yield: 3.52% (partly franked)
• Earnings per share: $0.792
• Year to date return: -13.68%

Lovisa’s growth story is evident in its rapid expansion and international reach. However, its current dividend is only 50% franked and the yield is lower than JB Hi-Fi’s. The company’s higher P/E ratio may suggest the market expects stronger growth ahead—or is simply pricing in its excellent global execution.

Lovisa has built a global store footprint and vertically integrated supply chain, but the specific number of stores should be treated as an approximate figure.

Valuation comparison

Here’s how the key numbers stack up:

	JB Hi-Fi	Lovisa
Market cap	$7.81 billion	$2.68 billion
P/E ratio	16.12	28.32
Dividend yield	4.68% (fully franked)	3.52% (50% franked)
Earnings per share	$4.467	$0.792
Dividend per share	$3.37	$0.86

JB Hi-Fi stands out for its bigger dividend and full franking, while Lovisa’s P/E is considerably higher. This suggests the market is expecting faster earnings growth from Lovisa, or pricing in its status as a high-growth global retailer.

Recent share price momentum

Comparing recent share price momentum up to 15 October 2026:

• JB Hi-Fi closed at $71.41, down -21.66% year to date.
• Lovisa Holdings closed at $24.16, down -13.68% year to date.
• In the last trading session, JB Hi-Fi fell 0.83%, while Lovisa dipped 1.15%.

Both have lagged the broader market lately, but JB Hi-Fi has fallen further YTD than Lovisa. That may put JB Hi-Fi in the more “beaten down” category—possibly creating greater rebound potential if sentiment turns around.

Which is the better buy?

If I had to pick which retailer is more likely to double from here, my money would be on JB Hi-Fi. Here’s why: JB Hi-Fi’s share price has fallen further, its P/E ratio is much lower, and the dividend yield is nearly a full percentage point higher—plus it’s fully franked. While Lovisa is a cracking global growth story, the market’s already paying up for that growth, as seen in its P/E. JB Hi-Fi, on the other hand, looks oversold relative to its steady earnings and income stream. If retail sentiment rebounds, I reckon JB Hi-Fi has more room to snap back hard.

That said, both are quality operators, and Lovisa’s growth could surprise to the upside if global expansion continues apace. But on the numbers given—and if you’re looking for the one retailer with the more compelling chance of doubling after a bruising year—my pick would be JB Hi-Fi.

The post JB Hi-Fi vs Lovisa: Which beaten-down ASX retailer could rebound strongly? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Lovisa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial draft. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.