Mayank Bansal, CFA
Mayank Bansal is a CFA Charterholder and heads the Equity Research team at Kapitales Research, with over 5 years of experience analysing global equity markets. He leads fundamental, data-driven research combining rigorous financial analysis with macro trends.
3 ASX Shares Gain as Retail Earnings Outlook and Major Shareholding Changes Draw Attention
Highlights:
Australian equities saw gains across several companies, with investors assessing retail trading conditions, earnings expectations and changes in major shareholdings. Recent announcements from three ASX-listed businesses outlined developments ranging from profit guidance and international sales performance to institutional investment movements. These updates provide insight into company-specific developments that may influence market sentiment.
Stocks in Focus:
Retail Trading Conditions and First-Half Profit Guidance
Nick Scali Limited provided a trading update and first-half FY2027 profit guidance on 21 October 2026. The furniture retailer reported difficult conditions across Australia and New Zealand, where written sales orders in the first quarter were 15% lower than the corresponding period a year earlier, while store traffic declined by approximately 10%. The company also noted that a cybersecurity incident in August disrupted its enterprise resource planning systems for around three weeks, requiring stores to process orders manually. As a result of trading to date and its current order book, Nick Scali expects underlying group net profit after tax for the six months ending 31 December 2026 to range between AU28millionandAU32 million. Meanwhile, its UK business showed stronger momentum, with first-quarter written sales orders rising 29% year on year and like-for-like orders increasing 14%. The company continues to expand its store network and focus on margins and cost management.
Investment Manager Ends Substantial Holding in Cochlear
Cochlear Limited disclosed on 22 October 2026 that Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited and its controlled entities ceased to be substantial holders on 20 October 2026. The notice detailed various acquisitions and disposals of ordinary shares during September and October, including a disposal of 184,311 shares on 20 October. The filing records changes in the investment manager’s relevant interests rather than a new operational or earnings announcement from Cochlear. It also stated that there had been no changes to the associations listed in the notice. The disclosure provides shareholders with an update on institutional ownership and trading activity involving the hearing-implant company.
Banking Group Ceases to Be a Substantial Holder in an Energy Company
Commonwealth Bank of Australia lodged a notice dated 23 October 2026 confirming it ceased to be a substantial holder in Karoon Energy Ltd on 22 October 2026. The filing identified changes involving securities lending, including the return of 732,454 fully paid ordinary shares to Merrill Lynch International and the borrowing of 463,646 shares on 21 October. The notice records the bank’s changing relevant interest in Karoon Energy securities. It does not announce a change to Commonwealth Bank’s own operating performance or financial outlook, but provides a regulatory update on its shareholding position in the energy company.
Conclusion
The announcements highlight different factors shaping investor attention, from retail earnings expectations and regional demand trends to changes in institutional shareholdings. Nick Scali’s first-half profit guidance and contrasting performance across Australia, New Zealand and the UK remain key indicators for its near-term outlook. Meanwhile, the ownership notices concerning Cochlear and Karoon Energy provide transparency around institutional investment positions. Investors will continue to monitor further company disclosures for updates on trading performance, earnings and shareholder activity.
Note: All data presented is based on information available at the time of writing.
Disclaimer for Kapitales Research
The materials provided by Kapitales Research, including articles, news, data, reports, opinions, images, charts, and videos ("Content"), are intended for personal, non-commercial use only. The primary goal of this Content is to educate and inform readers. This Content is not meant to offer financial advice, nor does it include any recommendation or opinion that should be relied upon for making financial decisions. Certain Content on this platform may be sponsored or unsponsored, but it does not serve as a solicitation or endorsement to buy, sell, or hold any securities, nor does it encourage any specific investment activities. Kapitales Research is not authorized to provide investment advice, and we strongly advise users to seek guidance from a qualified financial professional, such as a financial advisor or stockbroker, before making any investment choices. Kapitales Research disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the Content, which is provided without any warranties. The opinions expressed by contributors or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kapitales Research. Media such as images or music used on this platform are either owned by Kapitales Research, sourced through paid subscriptions, or believed to be in the public domain. We have made reasonable efforts to credit sources where appropriate. Kapitales Research does not claim ownership of any third-party media unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Customer Notice:
Nextgen Global Services Pty Ltd trading as Kapitales Research (ABN 89 652 632 561) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 1293674) of Enva Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 424494). The information contained in this website is general information only. Any advice is general advice only. No consideration has been given or will be given to the individual investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. The decision to invest or trade and the method selected is a personal decision and involves an inherent level of risk, and you must undertake your own investigations and obtain your own advice regarding the suitability of this product for your circumstances. Please be aware that all trading activity is subject to both profit & loss and may not be suitable for you. The past performance of this product is not and should not be taken as an indication of future performance.Disclosure: The information mentioned above has been sourced from the company reports and a third-party database, i.e. Koyfin. Investors are advised to use strict stop-loss to protect their investments in case of any unfavorable/uncertain market events.
Kapitales Research, Level 13, Suite 1A, 465 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia | 1800 005 780 | info@kapitales.com.au