Full Year 2026 Michael Hill International Ltd Earnings Call

August 30, 2026

Speaker #1: Now, let's see what this looks like on you.

Speaker #3: Welcome to the Michael Hill Full Year 2026 Investor Presentation. Following the formal presentation, there will be a Q&A session for investors and analysts. Participants can ask live audio questions during today's call.

Operator: Welcome to the Michael Hill Full Year 2026 Investor Presentation. Following the formal presentation, there will be a Q&A session for investors and analysts. Participants can ask live audio questions during today's call. To ask a live audio question, press the Request to Speak button at the top of the broadcast window. The broadcast will be replaced by the Audio Question screen. Use the dial-in number and access PIN provided to ask your audio question via the phone. Alternatively, for those on a home or personal network, you can ask your questions via the web by pressing Join Queue. If prompted, select Allow in the pop-up to grant access to your microphone. If you have any issues using the platform, dial-in details can also be found on the homepage under Asking Audio Questions. The audio queue is now open. I will now hand over to Jonathan Waecker, Chief Executive Officer.

Operator: Welcome to the Michael Hill Full-Year 2026 Investor Presentation. Following the formal presentation, there will be a Q and A session for investors and analysts. Participants can ask live audio questions during today's call. To ask a live audio question, press the Request to Speak button at the top of the broadcast window. The broadcast will be replaced by the Audio Question screen. Use the dial-in number and access PIN provided to ask your audio question via the phone. Alternatively, for those on a home or personal network, you can ask your questions via the web by pressing Join Queue. If prompted, select Allow in the pop-up to grant access to your microphone. If you have any issues using the platform, dial-in details can also be found on the homepage under Asking Audio Questions. The audio queue is now open.

Speaker #3: To ask a live audio question, press the 'Request to Speak' button at the top of the broadcast window. The broadcast will be replaced by the audio question screen.

Speaker #3: Use the dial-in number and access PIN provided to ask your audio question via phone. Alternatively, for those on a home or personal network, you can ask your questions via the web by pressing 'Join Queue.'

Speaker #3: If prompted, select 'Allow' in the pop-up to grant access to your microphone. If you have any issues using the platform, dial-in details can also be found on the homepage under 'Asking Audio Questions.'

Speaker #3: The audio queue is now open. I will now hand over to Jonathan Walker, Chief Executive Officer.

Operator: I will now hand over to Jonathan Waecker, Chief Executive Officer.

Speaker #4: Thank you, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for Michael Hill International Limited's FY26 full-year results webcast. My name is Jonathan Waker, and it's a pleasure to be speaking with you today as Chief Executive Officer.

Jonathan Waecker: Thank you, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for Michael Hill International Limited's FY2026 full year results webcast. My name is Jonathan Waecker, and it is a pleasure to be speaking with you today as Chief Executive Officer. Today's webcast marks my first full year results presentation since joining the business just over one year ago in August of 2025. Joining me today is our Chief Financial Officer, Elodie Guillaumond, who joined the group in February of this year. Elodie has now spent significant time with our teams, our operations, and our financials, and I am very pleased to have her with us today to take you through this year's results in detail. I will begin with a review of the group's performance for the full year. I will then hand over to Elodie, who will take you through the financial and segment results in more detail.

Jonathan Waecker: Thank you, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for Michael Hill International Limited's FY 2026 Full-Year Results Webcast. My name is Jonathan Waecker, and it is a pleasure to be speaking with you today as Chief Executive Officer. Today's webcast marks my first full-year results presentation since joining the business just over one year ago in August of 2025. Joining me today is our Chief Financial Officer, Elodie Guillaumond, who joined the group in February of this year. Elodie has now spent significant time with our teams, our operations, and our financials, and I am very pleased to have her with us today to take you through this year's results in detail. I will begin with a review of the group's performance for the full-year.

Speaker #4: Today's webcast marks my first full-year results presentation since joining the business just over one year ago, in August 2025. Joining me today is our Chief Financial Officer, Elodie Guillemond, who joined the group in February of this year.

Speaker #4: Elodie has now spent significant time with our teams, our operations, and our financials, and I'm very pleased to have her with us today to take you through this year's results in detail.

Speaker #4: I'll begin with a review of the group's performance for the full year. I'll then hand over to Elodie, who will take you through the financial and segment results in more detail.

Jonathan Waecker: I will then hand over to Elodie, who will take you through the financial and segment results in more detail.

Speaker #4: I'll return after that to outline our strategy and priorities for FY27, provide a current trading update, and then we'll open the line for any Q&A.

Jonathan Waecker: I will return after that to outline our strategy and priorities for FY2027 to provide a current trading update, and then we will open the line for any Q&A. I will start by providing an overview of the group's global performance for FY2026. I and other new members of the leadership team joined the business this year, and one of the first things we did was spend real time with our people, our customers, and our stores to understand what makes Michael Hill special and where we could sharpen our focus. Michael Hill, our international brand, was founded on a simple belief that everyone deserves to wear quality jewelry, to feel special wearing it, and to feel genuinely welcome when they walk into one of our stores. That belief has never gone away. It is what our teams have carried through every store, every day, for decades.

Jonathan Waecker: I will return after that to outline our strategy and priorities for FY 2027 to provide a current trading update, and then we will open the line for any Q and A. I will start by providing an overview of the group's global performance for FY 2026. I and other new members of the leadership team joined the business this year, and one of the first things we did was spend real time with our people, our customers, and our stores to understand what makes Michael Hill special and where we could sharpen our focus. Michael Hill, our international brand, was founded on a simple belief that everyone deserves to wear quality jewelry, to feel special wearing it, and to feel genuinely welcome when they walk into one of our stores.

Speaker #4: I'll start by providing an overview of the group's global performance for FY26. I and other new members of the leadership team joined the business this year, and one of the first things we did was spend real time with our people, our customers, and our stores to understand what makes Michael Hill special and where we could sharpen our focus.

Speaker #4: Michael Hill, our international brand, was founded on a simple belief: that everyone deserves to wear quality jewelry, to feel special wearing it, and to feel genuinely welcome when they walk into one of our stores.

Speaker #4: That belief has never gone away. It's what our teams have carried through every store, every day, for decades. This year, we got back to that.

Jonathan Waecker: That belief has never gone away. It is what our teams have carried through every store, every day, for decades.

Jonathan Waecker: This year, we got back to that, and we made that our clear, singular focus once again. We listened closely to our customers and our people. We simplified the business and put our energy back where it matters most, on growing our international brand, Michael Hill. We sharpened our product offer. We renewed how we go to market, and we gave our store teams a much stronger voice in how we run the business. Most importantly, we are getting back to what makes Michael Hill, Michael Hill. For us, that is everyday modern luxury, beautiful quality jewelry that people can feel confident wearing, giving, and celebrating with. It means holding a high bar on quality, from the jewelry itself through to the packaging it comes in. And it means delivering an outstanding customer experience with the warmth and genuine hospitality that comes from our uniquely New Zealand heritage.

Speaker #4: And we made that our clear, singular focus once again. We listened closely to our customers and our people. We simplified the business and put our energy back where it matters most: on growing our international brand, Michael Hill.

Speaker #4: We sharpened our product offer. We renewed how we go to market, and we gave our store teams a much stronger voice in how we run the business.

Speaker #4: Most importantly, we are getting back to what makes Michael Hill, Michael Hill. For us, that's everyday modern luxury—beautiful, quality jewelry that people can feel confident wearing, giving, and celebrating with.

Speaker #4: It means holding a high bar on quality, from the jewelry itself through to the packaging it comes in. And it means delivering an outstanding customer experience with the warmth and genuine hospitality that comes from our uniquely New Zealand heritage.

Speaker #4: And it's a renewed focus on execution. This year, we sharpened our product curation and our personalized ranges. We tailored our go-to-market, market by market; we clarified our price architecture, and we improved our promotional discipline across our range.

Jonathan Waecker: And it is a renewed focus on execution. This year we sharpened our product curation and our personalized ranges. We tailored our go-to market by market. We clarified our price architecture, and we improved our promotional discipline across our range. And across the entire Michael Hill network, we strengthened the customer experience. At Bevilles, we have taken a similar approach. We listened to customers and our teams. We brought in new leadership. We simplified the proposition, and we reset the business with a clear focus on winning in the value segment. After a difficult start to the year, Bevilles returned to growth in the H2, and we are encouraged by the progress we are seeing. The final results for FY2026 give us confidence that the turnaround is working. Sales grew in every market this year, and we made progress against every one of our growth engines.

Jonathan Waecker: And it is a renewed focus on execution. This year we sharpened our product curation and our personalized ranges. We tailored our go-to market by market. We clarified our price architecture, and we improved our promotional discipline across our range. And across the entire Michael Hill network, we strengthened the customer experience. At Bevilles, we have taken a similar approach. We listened to customers and our teams. We brought in new leadership. We simplified the proposition, and we reset the business with a clear focus on winning in the value segment. After a difficult start to the year, Bevilles returned to growth in the H2, and we are encouraged by the progress we are seeing. The final results for FY 2026 give us confidence that the turnaround is working. Sales grew in every market this year, and we made progress against every one of our growth engines.

Speaker #4: And across the entire Michael Hill network, we strengthened the customer experience. At Bevels, we've taken a similar approach: we listened to customers and our teams.

Speaker #4: We brought in new leadership, we simplified the proposition, and we reset the business with a clear focus on winning in the value segment. After a difficult start to the year, Bevels returned to growth in the second half, and we are encouraged by the progress we are seeing.

Speaker #4: The final results for FY26 give us confidence that the turnaround is working. Sales grew in every market this year, and we made progress against every one of our growth engines.

Speaker #4: EBIT is up 57%. We have materially strengthened the balance sheet, and we have restored the dividend. There is still plenty more to do. We're not even a full year into this reset yet.

Jonathan Waecker: EBIT is up 57%, we have materially strengthened the balance sheet, and we have restored the dividend. There is still plenty more to do. We are not even a full year into this reset yet, and I still see significant opportunity ahead of us. Turning now to the top-line numbers behind that story. Total group revenue reached a record AUD 655.7 million, up 4.1% in constant currency and up 1.9% in Australian dollars. Same-store sales were up 5.2% across all markets in constant currency and up 3% in Australian dollars. Gross margins held flat at 60.5%, demonstrating the group's ability to offset elevated precious metal costs while consumers continue to navigate cost of living pressures. Comparable EBIT increased 57% to AUD 24 million. We also materially strengthened our balance sheet. Net debt reduced to AUD 5.5 million, down AUD 36.3 million on the prior year.

Jonathan Waecker: EBIT is up 57%, we have materially strengthened the balance sheet, and we have restored the dividend. There is still plenty more to do. We are not even a full-year into this reset yet, and I still see significant opportunity ahead of us. Turning now to the top-line numbers behind that story. Total group revenue reached a record AUD 655.7 million, up 4.1% in constant currency and up 1.9% in Australian dollars. Same-store sales were up 5.2% across all markets in constant currency and up 3% in Australian dollars. Gross margins held flat at 60.5%, demonstrating the group's ability to offset elevated precious metal costs while consumers continue to navigate cost of living pressures. Comparable EBIT increased 57% to AUD 24 million. We also materially strengthened our balance sheet. Net debt reduced to AUD 5.5 million, down AUD 36.3 million on the prior year.

Speaker #4: And I still see significant opportunity ahead of us. So, turning now to the top-line numbers behind that story: Total group revenue reached a record $655.7 million, up 4.1% in constant currency and up 1.9% in Australian dollars.

Speaker #4: Same store sales were up 5.2% across all markets in constant currency, and up 3% in Australian dollars. Gross margins held flat at 60.5%, demonstrating the group's ability to offset elevated precious metal costs, while consumers continued to navigate cost of living pressures.

Speaker #4: And comparable EBIT increased 57% to $24 million. We also materially strengthened our balance sheet. Net debt reduced to $5.5 million, down $36.3 million on the prior year.

Speaker #4: Inventory also reduced to $189.7 million, down $9.4 million on prior year, with inventory productivity up 13% over the same period. A very pleasing result.

Jonathan Waecker: Inventory also reduced to AUD 189.7 million, down AUD 9.4 million on prior year, with inventory productivity up 13% over the same period. A very pleasing result. In FY26, our cost of doing business was down 70 basis points to 57.1%, and the board has declared a final dividend of AUD 0.02 per share. These results reflect real progress against the growth engines we set out at our Investor Day back in April, and they are already gaining traction. I would like to share a few highlights with you now. In Canada, we delivered growth on growth and a record year, largely enabled by introducing a country-specific go-to-market approach across our marketing, our promotions, and our product ranges. As a result, same-store sales were up 7% and online sales were up 22%. We also opened two new flagship stores in Canada during the year.

Jonathan Waecker: Inventory also reduced to AUD 189.7 million, down AUD 9.4 million on prior year, with inventory productivity up 13% over the same period. A very pleasing result. In FY 26, our cost of doing business was down 70 basis points to 57.1%, and the board has declared a final dividend of AUD 0.02 per share. These results reflect real progress against the growth engines we set out at our Investor Day back in April, and they are already gaining traction. I would like to share a few highlights with you now. In Canada, we delivered growth on growth and a record year, largely enabled by introducing a country-specific go-to-market approach across our marketing, our promotions, and our product ranges. As a result, same-store sales were up 7% and online sales were up 22%. We also opened two new flagship stores in Canada during the year.

Speaker #4: In FY26, our cost of doing business was down 70 basis points to 57.1%. The board has declared a final dividend of 2 cents per share.

Speaker #4: These results reflect real progress against the growth engines we set out at our Investor Day back in April, and they're already gaining traction. I'd like to share a few highlights with you now.

Speaker #4: In Canada, we delivered growth on growth and a record year, largely enabled by introducing a country-specific go-to-market approach across our marketing, our promotions, and our product ranges.

Speaker #4: As a result, same store sales were up 7%, and online sales were up 22%. We also opened two new flagship stores in Canada during the year.

Speaker #4: In Australia and New Zealand, we lifted the productivity of our existing footprint, with Australian same store sales up 4.8% and New Zealand same store sales up 3.6%.

Jonathan Waecker: In Australia and New Zealand, we lifted the productivity of our existing footprint with Australian same-store sales up 4.8% and New Zealand same-store sales up 3.6%. We opened new flagship stores in Australia, and I am pleased to say that the refit program is delivering stronger performance improvements, which Elodie will touch on for you later. In digital, we realigned our growth teams to sharpen our focus and to engage customers better in the largest store in our entire business, our e-commerce store. Michael Hill online sales grew 10% in constant currency. In product, we sharpened our pricing and our go-to-market flexibility and launched newness across our ranges. Custom and personalized products continue to grow in importance for our customers and now represent over 15% of our Michael Hill sales via our Made for You personalized and custom product ranges.

Speaker #4: We opened new flagship stores in Australia, and I'm pleased to say that the refit program is delivering stronger performance improvements, which Elodie will touch on for you later.

Speaker #4: In Digital, we realigned our growth teams to sharpen our focus and to engage customers better in the largest store in our entire business — our e-commerce store.

Speaker #4: And Michael Hill online sales grew 10% in constant currency. In product, we sharpened our pricing and our go-to-market flexibility, and launched newness across our ranges.

Speaker #4: Custom and personalized products continue to grow in importance for our customers, and now represent over 15% of our Michael Hill sales via our made-for-you personalized and custom product ranges.

Speaker #4: As I mentioned earlier, we've made solid improvements in our inventory productivity, which was up 13% year on year across the Group. We advanced our services-led differentiation.

Jonathan Waecker: As I mentioned earlier, we have made solid improvements in our inventory productivity, which was up 13% year on year across the group. We advanced our services-led differentiation. We digitized the Michael Hill diamond warranty. We formed a dedicated services team, and we relaunched our bespoke service offering, which is now live in more than 40 stores across Australia and Canada, generating average bridal transaction values well above the Michael Hill bridal average. We also know that customer engagement is paramount, and our Brilliance by Michael Hill loyalty program in Michael Hill grew to 3.3 million members with gross profit dollars from those members up 14%. The Bevilles reset is also underway and gaining traction within our Australian segment.

Speaker #4: We digitized the Michael Hill Diamond Warranty. We formed a dedicated services team, and we relaunched our bespoke service offering, which is now live in more than 40 stores across Australia and Canada.

Speaker #4: Generating average bridal transaction values well above the Michael Hill bridal average. We also know that customer engagement is paramount, and our brilliant loyalty program at Michael Hill grew to 3.3 million members.

Speaker #4: With gross profit dollars from those members up 14%. The Bevels reset is also underway and gaining traction within our Australian segment. New leadership and a clear customer focus on the value segment saw that business return to growth in the second half, with same store sales improving from a year-on-year decline of 4.6% in the first half to a year-on-year growth of 5.8% in the second half.

Jonathan Waecker: New leadership and a clear customer focus on the value segment saw that business return to growth in the H2, with same-store sales improving from a year-on-year decline of 4.6% in the H1 to year-on-year growth of 5.8% in the H2, with gross margin growing 660 basis points between the two halves as well. We made real progress on becoming an AI-powered retailer, including this year launching our proprietary Retail Assist AI across our network, giving all of our store teams instant access to knowledge so they can focus more on our customers with this new tool now supporting over 50% of all retail support inquiries. In short summary, the turnaround is taking hold, and I am very proud of what our teams have delivered so far. With that, I will now hand over to Elodie to take you through the financial results for FY2026 in more detail.

Speaker #4: With gross margin growing 660 basis points between the two halves as well. And we made real progress on becoming an AI-powered retailer, including this year launching our proprietary Retail Assist AI across our network—giving all of our store teams instant access to knowledge so they can focus more on our customers—with this new tool now supporting over 50% of all retail support inquiries.

Speaker #4: In short summary, the turnaround is taking hold, and I'm very proud of what our teams have delivered so far. With that, I'll now hand over to Elodie to take you through the financial results for FY26 in more detail.

Speaker #1: Thank you, Jonathan, and good morning, everyone. For the full year, group revenue increased 1.9% to $656 million, with same store sales up 5.2% on a constant currency basis.

Elodie Guillaumond: Thank you, Jonathan, and good morning, everyone. For the full year, group revenue increased 1.9% to AUD 656 million with same-store sales up 5.2% on a constant currency basis. Sales were up across all markets in local currency and profitability improved in both halves. Gross profit increased 1.9% to AUD 397 million with gross margin flat at 60.5% as a stronger product mix and disciplined pricing execution offset elevated input costs, particularly in gold and silver. Cost of doing business as a percentage of revenue reduced by 70 basis points to 57.1%, reflecting disciplined cost management in an inflationary environment. The reduction in operating costs across the group enabled the business to reinvest in store teams, which supported stronger sales performance. Comparable EBIT increased 57% to AUD 24 million, representing 3.7% of revenue, up 130 basis points on the prior year.

Elodie Guillaumond: Thank you, Jonathan, and good morning, everyone. For the full-year, group revenue increased 1.9% to AUD 656 million with same-store sales up 5.2% on a constant currency basis. Sales were up across all markets in local currency and profitability improved in both halves. Gross profit increased 1.9% to AUD 397 million with gross margin flat at 60.5% as a stronger product mix and disciplined pricing execution offset elevated input costs, particularly in gold and silver. Cost of doing business as a percentage of revenue reduced by 70 basis points to 57.1%, reflecting disciplined cost management in an inflationary environment. The reduction in operating costs across the group enabled the business to reinvest in store teams, which supported stronger sales performance. Comparable EBIT increased 57% to AUD 24 million, representing 3.7% of revenue, up 130 basis points on the prior year.

Speaker #1: Sales were up across all markets in local currency, and profitability improved in both halves. Gross profit increased 1.9% to $397 million, with gross margin flat at 60.5%.

Speaker #1: A stronger product mix and disciplined pricing execution offset elevated input costs, particularly in gold and silver. Cost of doing business, as a percentage of revenue, reduced by 70 basis points to 57.1%, reflecting disciplined cost management in an inflationary environment.

Speaker #1: The reduction in operating costs across the group enabled the business to reinvest in store teams, which supported stronger sales performance. Comparable EBIT increased 57% to $24 million, representing 3.7% of revenue—up 130 basis points on the prior year.

Speaker #1: Statutory net profit after tax was $10 million, up on the prior year. In the second half, the comparable EBIT loss improved by $1.8 million to $6.9 million, from $8.7 million in the prior comparable period.

Elodie Guillaumond: Statutory net profit after tax was AUD 10 million, up on the prior year. In the H2, the comparable EBIT loss improved by AUD 1.8 million to AUD 6.9 million from AUD 8.7 million in the prior comparable period. This improvement was achieved despite recognizing a AUD 4.6 million lower release of deferred revenue from professional care plans, largely due to updated FY2025 assumptions, including changes to repair patterns and cost indexation. Professional care plans performance remained positive with a year value of plans sold increasing 1.2% in FY2026 versus the prior year, although accounting standards require this revenue to be recognized progressively over the life of each plan. PCP income remains a key strategic lever and an important part of our services-led growth engine, supporting deeper customer engagement and increased lifetime customer value.

Elodie Guillaumond: Statutory net profit after tax was AUD 10 million, up on the prior year. In the H2, the comparable EBIT loss improved by AUD 1.8 million to AUD 6.9 million from AUD 8.7 million in the prior comparable period. This improvement was achieved despite recognizing a AUD 4.6 million lower release of deferred revenue from professional care plans, largely due to updated FY 2025 assumptions, including changes to repair patterns and cost indexation. Professional care plans performance remained positive with a year value of plans sold increasing 1.2% in FY 2026 versus the prior year, although accounting standards require this revenue to be recognized progressively over the life of each plan. PCP income remains a key strategic lever and an important part of our services-led growth engine, supporting deeper customer engagement and increased lifetime customer value.

Speaker #1: This improvement was achieved despite recognizing a $4.6 million lower release of deferred revenue from professional care plans, largely due to updated FY25 assumptions, including changes to repair patterns and cost indexation.

Speaker #1: Professional Care Plans performance remained positive, with in-year value of plans sold increasing 1.2% in FY26 versus the prior year, although accounting standards require this revenue to be recognized progressively over the life of each plan.

Speaker #1: PCP income remains a key strategic lever and an important part of our services-led growth engine, supporting deeper customer engagement and increased lifetime customer value.

Speaker #1: As part of our strategic simplification, announced at our Investor Day in April, we took decisive action to focus on our two core brands: Michael Hill and Bevels.

Elodie Guillaumond: As part of our strategic simplification announced at our Investor Day in April, we took decisive action to focus on our two core brands, Michael Hill and Bevilles. This resulted in non-cash write-off of AUD 6.1 million, largely relating to the closure of Medley and Ten Seventy Seven, which have been excluded from comparable EBIT. This simplifies our operating model and allows management to concentrate resources on driving profitable growth across our core brands. Our work around store network optimization continues as we closed unprofitable stores, modernized our strongest locations, and opened new store locations. All of the store network reduced by a net six stores during the year to 281 stores at year-end. Moving now on to segment results. In Australia, including Bevilles, revenue increased 2.5% to AUD 372 million with same-store sales up 4.8% and H2 growth of 4.4% on the prior comparable period.

Speaker #1: This resulted in a non-cash write-off of $6.1 million, largely relating to the closure of Medley and 1077, which have been excluded from comparable EBIT. This simplifies our operating model and allows management to concentrate resources on driving profitable growth across our core brand.

Speaker #1: Our work around store network optimization continues, as we closed unprofitable stores, modernized our strongest locations, and opened new store locations. All up, the store network reduced by a net six stores during the year, to 281 stores at year-end.

Speaker #1: Moving now onto segment results. In Australia, including Bevels, revenue increased 2.5% to $372 million, with same store sales up 4.8% and second half growth of 4.4% on the prior comparable period.

Speaker #1: Gross margin increased by 130 basis points to 60.7%, driven by disciplined pricing and improved product mix. Higher sales and margin drove a healthy uplift in gross profit, and, together with a 100 basis point reduction in the cost of doing business, resulted in a 34.4% increase in segment comparable EBIT to $36.3 million.

Elodie Guillaumond: Gross margin increased by 130 basis points to 60.7%, driven by disciplined pricing and improved product mix. Higher sales and margin drove a healthy uplift in gross profits, and together with 100 basis point reduction in the cost of doing business, resulted in a 34.4% increase in segment comparable EBIT to AUD 36.3 million. Within these results, Bevilles reset is underway and gaining real traction, as mentioned by Jonathan earlier. During the year, we invested in the network, including a new flagship store at Bondi Junction in Sydney, a refurbishment at Rundle Mall in Adelaide, and a relocation at Castle Towers in Sydney. Our refit program is delivering improvements in average transaction value, margin, and conversion rates above the network average. The Australian network finished the year with 157 stores, including 36 Bevilles stores. Canada delivered another record performance.

Speaker #1: Within these results, Bevels reset is underway and getting real traction, as mentioned by Jonathan earlier. During the year, we invested in the network, including a new flagship store at Bondi Junction in Sydney, a refurbishment at Rundle Mall in Adelaide, and a relocation at Castle Towers in Sydney.

Speaker #1: Our EFIT program is delivering improvement in average transaction value, margin, and conversion rates above the network average. The Australian network finished the year with 157 stores, including 36 Bevilles stores.

Speaker #1: Canada delivered another record performance. Revenue increased 7.3% to $174 million Canadian dollars, with same-store sales up 7% and second-half growth of 7.6% on the prior comparable period.

Elodie Guillaumond: Revenue increased 7.3% to 174 million Canadian dollars, with same-store sales up 7% and H2 growth of 7.6% on the prior comparable period. Gross margin improved by 20 basis points to 60.3%, achieved through differentiated go-to-market activities and supported by improved margin in diamond fashion and colored stone categories. In addition, strong bridal sales growth also contributed to improved gross profit performance in Canada, driving higher average transaction values and attracting premium customers with greater lifetime value. Comparable EBIT increased 16.3% to 21.9 million Canadian dollars. Canada remains our fastest-growing market by sales and our clearest growth opportunity. Our Canadian cost of doing business was impacted by increased security costs following a series of security incidents and robberies, which have since slowed down.

Speaker #1: Gross margin improved by 20 basis points to 60.3%, achieved through differentiated go-to-market activities and supported by improved margin in diamond, fashion, and cullet stone categories.

Speaker #1: In addition, strong bridal sales growth also contributed to improved gross profit performance in Canada, driving higher average transaction values and attracting premium customers with greater lifetime value.

Speaker #1: Comparable EBIT increased 16.3% to $21.9 million Canadian dollars. Canada remains our fastest-growing market by sales and our clearest growth opportunity. Our Canadian cost of doing business was impacted by increased security costs, following a series of security incidents and robberies, which have since slowed down.

Speaker #1: During the year, we invested in our flagship network with a refurbishment at Yorkdale in Toronto and a new store at Pacific Centre in Vancouver, reflecting our confidence to invest further in this strong performing market.

Elodie Guillaumond: During the year, we invested in our flagship network with a refurbishment at Yorkdale in Toronto and a new store at Pacific Centre in Vancouver, reflecting our confidence to invest further in this strong-performing market. The network finished the year with 81 stores. We currently operate the second-largest fine jewelry store network in Canada and continue to target an optimal footprint of 85 to 90 stores. Looking ahead to 2027, we plan to modernize five of our top six stores, extending our refreshed network across every major Canadian market, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. New Zealand delivered a marked acceleration, with same-store sales up 3.6% for the year as the return to growth over Christmas was sustained through the H2. Revenue increased 3.1% to 112 million New Zealand dollars.

Speaker #1: The network finished the year with 81 stores. We currently operate the second-largest fine jewelry store in our network in Canada and continue to target an optimal footprint of 85 to 90 stores.

Speaker #1: Looking ahead to 2027, we plan to modernize five of our top six stores, extending our refreshed network across every major Canadian market, including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.

Speaker #1: New Zealand delivered a marked acceleration, with same store sales up 3.6% for the year, as the return to growth over Christmas was sustained through the second half.

Speaker #1: Revenue increased 3.1% to $112 million New Zealand dollars. This performance reflects a deliberate decision to redirect investments into teams and customer-facing initiatives, enhancing the local customer experience and supporting sales growth.

Elodie Guillaumond: This performance reflects a deliberate decision to redirect investments into teams and customer-facing initiatives, enhancing the local customer experience and supporting sales growth. Gross margin was 58%, reflecting an intentional focus on adapting our offer to the trading environment, balanced by stronger contributions from bridal. Comparable EBIT increased 2.4% to 14 million New Zealand dollars. During the year, two stores closed, resulting in 43 stores at year-end. We also relocated our Auckland CBD flagship store in July 2026 and plan to open one new store in the H1 of FY27. Turning to the balance sheet, disciplined cash and working capital management drove a stronger position and reduced debt. Inventory reduced by AUD 9.4 million to AUD 189.7 million. Importantly, this improvement was achieved while gold traded at successive record highs throughout the year, meaning the underlying productivity gain was greater than the dollar reduction alone suggests.

Elodie Guillaumond: This performance reflects a deliberate decision to redirect investments into teams and customer-facing initiatives, enhancing the local customer experience and supporting sales growth. Gross margin was 58%, reflecting an intentional focus on adapting our offer to the trading environment, balanced by stronger contributions from bridal. Comparable EBIT increased 2.4% to 14 million New Zealand dollars. During the year, two stores closed, resulting in 43 stores at year-end. We also relocated our Auckland CBD flagship store in July 2026 and plan to open one new store in the H1 of FY 27. Turning to the balance sheet, disciplined cash and working capital management drove a stronger position and reduced debt. Inventory reduced by AUD 9.4 million to AUD 189.7 million. Importantly, this improvement was achieved while gold traded at successive record highs throughout the year, meaning the underlying productivity gain was greater than the dollar reduction alone suggests.

Speaker #1: Gross margin was 58%, reflecting an intentional focus on adapting our offer to the trading environment, balanced by a stronger contribution from bridal. Comparable EBIT increased 2.4% to $14 million New Zealand dollars.

Speaker #1: During the year, two stores closed, resulting in 43 stores at year-end. We also relocated our Auckland CBD flagship store in July 2026 and plan to open one new store in the first half of FY27.

Speaker #1: Turning to the balance sheets, disciplined cash and working capital management drove a stronger position and reduced debt. Inventory reduced by $9.4 million to $189.7 million.

Speaker #1: Importantly, this improvement was achieved while gold traded at successive record highs throughout the year, meaning the underlying productivity gain was greater than the dollar reduction alone suggests.

Speaker #1: Inventory productivity, or GMROI, improved 13% over the year. This productivity gain gives us the confidence to reinvest. Management now intends to increase capital selectively in our most productive inventory to support sales growth, and we expect inventory to rise—though at a lower rate than the sales it is planned to support.

Elodie Guillaumond: Inventory productivity, or GMROI, improved 13% over the year. This productivity gain gives us the confidence to reinvest. Management now intends to increase capital selectively in our most productive inventory to support sales growth, and we expect inventory to rise, but at a lower rate than the sales it is planned to support. This is a deliberate growth investment made from a stronger and more disciplined base. Net debt closed the year at AUD 5.5 million, down from AUD 41.9 million in the prior year, an improvement of AUD 36.3 million, with significant liquidity headroom ahead of the peak seasonal inventory build for Christmas. Trade and other payables increased during the year, supported by favorable supplier terms, higher incentive accruals, and increased deposits received for Made for You custom orders. The net right of use liability reduced by AUD 3.2 million to AUD 16.7 million, mainly driven by store closures.

Speaker #1: This is a deliberate growth investment made from a stronger and more disciplined base. Net debt closed the year at 5.5 million dollars down from 41.9 million dollars in the prior year an improvement of 36.3 million dollars with significant liquidity headroom ahead of the peak seasonal inventory bill for Christmas.

Speaker #1: Trade and other payables increased during the year, supported by favorable supplier terms, higher incentive accruals, and increased deposits received for made-for-you custom orders. The net write-off used liability reduced by $3.2 million to $16.7 million, mainly driven by store closures.

Speaker #1: Intangible assets decreased during the year, with part of the movement reflecting a non-cash write-off associated with 1,077. This balance sheet strength gives us the flexibility to selectively invest in inventory refresh, store feed-outs, and support our teams, positioning the business for profitable sales growth.

Elodie Guillaumond: Intangible assets decreased during the year, with part of the movement reflecting a non-cash write-off associated with Ten Seventy Seven. This balance sheet strength gives us the flexibility to selectively invest in inventory, refresh store fit-outs, and support our teams, positioning the business for profitable sales growth. Capital expenditure and SaaS implementation-related projects remain disciplined and in line with the prior year. FY2026 investments totaled AUD 19.7 million, well below the elevated cycles of FY2022 through FY2024. in FY2026, we made a shift in capital allocation from technology investment towards store fit-outs, supporting the measured rollout of our new store format across the fleet with the Refit program delivering performance improvements, as previously mentioned. During the year, we built and refreshed 14 stores, including four flagship stores, which enhanced customer experience and brand presentation.

Elodie Guillaumond: Intangible assets decreased during the year, with part of the movement reflecting a non-cash write-off associated with Ten Seventy Seven. This balance sheet strength gives us the flexibility to selectively invest in inventory, refresh store fit-outs, and support our teams, positioning the business for profitable sales growth. Capital expenditure and SaaS implementation-related projects remain disciplined and in line with the prior year. FY 2026 investments totaled AUD 19.7 million, well below the elevated cycles of FY 2022 through FY 2024. in FY 2026, we made a shift in capital allocation from technology investment towards store fit-outs, supporting the measured rollout of our new store format across the fleet with the Refit program delivering performance improvements, as previously mentioned. During the year, we built and refreshed 14 stores, including four flagship stores, which enhanced customer experience and brand presentation.

Speaker #1: Capital expenditure and SAS implementation-related projects remain disciplined and in line with the prior year. FY26 investments totaled $19.7 million, well below the elevated cycles of FY22 through FY24.

Speaker #1: In FY26, we made a shift in capital allocation from technology investment towards store fit-out, supporting the measured rollout of our new store format across the fleet, with the refit program delivering performance improvements as previously mentioned.

Speaker #1: During the year, we built and refreshed 14 stores, including four flagship stores, which enhanced customer experience and brand presentation. Looking ahead, management expects FY27 capital expenditure and SAS implementation-related projects to increase to around $25 million, supporting further store refreshes and the delivery of our AI-enabled inventory planning project.

Elodie Guillaumond: Looking ahead, management expects FY2027 capital expenditure and SaaS implementation-related projects to increase to around AUD 25 million, supporting further store refreshes and the delivery of our AI-enabled inventory planning project. Our capital allocation remains disciplined and returns focused, prioritizing high-return investment in stores, inventory tools, and customer experience while maintaining strong cash generation and balance sheet strength. As a result of the improvement in operating performance and the strength of the company's balance sheet, the board has declared a final dividend of two Australian cents per share, partially franked at 50% for Australian purposes, with partial New Zealand imputation credits at 50%, and with conducive foreign income. That concludes the financial and segment overview, and I'll now hand back to Jonathan.

Elodie Guillaumond: Looking ahead, management expects FY 2027 capital expenditure and SaaS implementation-related projects to increase to around AUD 25 million, supporting further store refreshes and the delivery of our AI-enabled inventory planning project. Our capital allocation remains disciplined and returns focused, prioritizing high-return investment in stores, inventory tools, and customer experience while maintaining strong cash generation and balance sheet strength. As a result of the improvement in operating performance and the strength of the company's balance sheet, the board has declared a final dividend of two Australian cents per share, partially franked at 50% for Australian purposes, with partial New Zealand imputation credits at 50%, and with conducive foreign income. That concludes the financial and segment overview, and I'll now hand back to Jonathan.

Speaker #1: Our capital allocation remains disciplined and returns-focused, prioritizing high-return investment in stores, inventory, tools, and customer experience, while maintaining strong cash generation and balance sheet strength.

Speaker #1: As a result of the improvement in operating performance and the strength of the company's balance sheet, the board has declared a final dividend of 2 Australian cents per share, partially franked at 50% for Australian purposes, with partial New Zealand imputation credits at 50%, and with 100% foreign income.

Speaker #1: That concludes the financial and segment overview, and I'll now hand back to Jonathan.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Elodie. I'll now turn the conversation to FY27 and the plan ahead. Like any good strategy, we need to be clear about what success looks like for our shareholders.

Jonathan Waecker: Thank you, Elodie. I'll now turn the conversation to FY2027 and the plan ahead. Like any good strategy, we need to be clear about what success looks like for our shareholders. As we shared at our Investor Day back in April, we believe good looks like an EBIT margin of at least 10% in the medium term, three to five years out. Our strategy is built around four levers to sustainably get us there. Fundamentally, improved profitability will come from four areas. First, our footprint, improving store productivity across the network. Second, sales, driving sustainable top-line growth. Third, gross margin, strengthening product economics and profitability. Fourth, operating leverage, reducing our cost to serve as the business grows. The current global environment remains highly unpredictable. Geopolitical tensions, commodity volatility, and political cycles will all continue to create disruption.

Jonathan Waecker: Thank you, Elodie. I'll now turn the conversation to FY 2027 and the plan ahead. Like any good strategy, we need to be clear about what success looks like for our shareholders. As we shared at our Investor Day back in April, we believe good looks like an EBIT margin of at least 10% in the medium term, three to five years out. Our strategy is built around four levers to sustainably get us there. Fundamentally, improved profitability will come from four areas. First, our footprint, improving store productivity across the network. Second, sales, driving sustainable top-line growth. Third, gross margin, strengthening product economics and profitability. Fourth, operating leverage, reducing our cost to serve as the business grows. The current global environment remains highly unpredictable. Geopolitical tensions, commodity volatility, and political cycles will all continue to create disruption.

Speaker #2: As we shared with our Investor Day back in April, we believe 'good' looks like an EBIT margin of at least 10% in the medium term—three to five years out.

Speaker #2: Our strategy is built around four levers to sustainably get us there. Fundamentally, improved profitability will come from four areas. First, our footprint—improving store productivity across the network.

Speaker #2: Second, sales—driving sustainable top-line growth. Third, gross margin—strengthening product economics and profitability. And fourth, operating leverage—reducing our cost to serve as the business grows.

Speaker #2: The current global environment remains highly unpredictable. Geopolitical tensions, commodity volatility, and political cycles will all continue to create disruption. So we're very clear on the direction of travel and the outcome we're targeting.

Jonathan Waecker: While we are very clear on the direction of travel and the outcome we are targeting, we also know that we will need to stay agile in how we navigate market conditions while remaining focused on long-term goals and the things we can control. In FY2026, we made tangible progress against each of these levers, and I want to quickly connect the results we have presented back to each of them. On footprint, our gross profit per store was up 4%, and inventory productivity improved 13% across the group. We are also seeing promising early signs from the store refit program, with average transaction values, margin, and conversion rates improving above the network average for our refit stores. On sales, online sales grew 10% in the Michael Hill brand, and same store sales across the group were up 5.2% on a constant currency basis.

Jonathan Waecker: While we are very clear on the direction of travel and the outcome we are targeting, we also know that we will need to stay agile in how we navigate market conditions while remaining focused on long-term goals and the things we can control. In FY 2026, we made tangible progress against each of these levers, and I want to quickly connect the results we have presented back to each of them. On footprint, our gross profit per store was up 4%, and inventory productivity improved 13% across the group. We are also seeing promising early signs from the store refit program, with average transaction values, margin, and conversion rates improving above the network average for our refit stores. On sales, online sales grew 10% in the Michael Hill brand, and same store sales across the group were up 5.2% on a constant currency basis.

Speaker #2: We also know that we'll need to stay agile in how we navigate market conditions while remaining focused on long-term goals and the things we can control.

Speaker #2: In FY26, we made tangible progress against each of these levers, and I want to quickly connect the results we've presented back to each of them.

Speaker #2: On footprint, our gross profit per store was up 4%, and inventory productivity improved 13% across the group. We're also seeing promising early signs from the store refit program, with average transaction values, margin, and conversion rates improving above the network average for our refit stores.

Speaker #2: On sales, online sales grew 10% in the Michael Hill brand, and same store sales across the group were up 5.2% on a constant currency basis.

Speaker #2: On gross margin, they held flat at 60.5%, demonstrating our ability to manage headwinds in a challenging macro environment— notably in a year when precious metal prices like gold continued to hit record highs.

Jonathan Waecker: Gross margin held flat at 60.5%, demonstrating our ability to manage headwinds in a challenging macro environment, notably in a year when precious metal prices like gold continued to hit record highs. On operating leverage, our cost of doing business was down 70 basis points. As shared at our Investor Day, we are starting FY2027 with a focused two-brand portfolio, down from five, built to drive profitable growth. Michael Hill is our international brand with operations across three markets, and Bevilles is our value brand with operations uniquely in our Australian market. This means we enter the next phase with a simpler portfolio, a sharper customer proposition, and stronger alignment across brand, product, stores, and go-to-market. The turnaround is taking hold, but there is more work to do. Our priority remains consistent execution and on rebuilding sustainable profitable growth.

Jonathan Waecker: Gross margin held flat at 60.5%, demonstrating our ability to manage headwinds in a challenging macro environment, notably in a year when precious metal prices like gold continued to hit record highs. On operating leverage, our cost of doing business was down 70 basis points. As shared at our Investor Day, we are starting FY 2027 with a focused two-brand portfolio, down from five, built to drive profitable growth. Michael Hill is our international brand with operations across three markets, and Bevilles is our value brand with operations uniquely in our Australian market. This means we enter the next phase with a simpler portfolio, a sharper customer proposition, and stronger alignment across brand, product, stores, and go-to-market. The turnaround is taking hold, but there is more work to do. Our priority remains consistent execution and on rebuilding sustainable profitable growth.

Speaker #2: And on operating leverage, our cost of doing business was down 70 basis points. And, as shared at our Investor Day, we are starting FY27 with a focused two-brand portfolio, down from five, built to drive profitable growth.

Speaker #2: Michael Hill is our international brand, with operations across three markets, and Bevilles is our value brand, with operations uniquely in our Australian market. This means we enter the next phase with a simpler portfolio, a sharper customer proposition, and stronger alignment across brand, product, stores, and go-to-market.

Speaker #2: The turnaround is taking hold, but there is more work to do. Our priority remains consistent execution and rebuilding sustainable, profitable growth. To deliver against that ambition, we know we're broadly better off focusing on doing fewer things very well, and that's exactly what we're doing.

Jonathan Waecker: To deliver against that ambition, we know we are broadly better off focusing on doing fewer things very well, and that is exactly what we are doing. The positioning for our Michael Hill brand is best captured by a simple idea, making modern luxury accessible. It reflects who we are as a brand, and it connects our team, our customers, and our strategy in a way that can truly drive growth. It signals that we are a brand defined by relevance, premium quality craftsmanship, ease, and value. Internally, we reinforce this with two additional commitments. The first is that our jewelry is made to be worn and given with confidence. This reflects why many customers choose Michael Hill, and it means maintaining strong quality standards and ensuring our products and packaging are something customers feel proud to wear and proud to give.

Speaker #2: The positioning for our Michael Hill brand is best captured by a simple idea: making modern luxury accessible. It reflects who we are as a brand, and it connects our team, our customers, and our strategy in a way that can truly drive growth.

Speaker #2: It signals that we are a brand defined by relevance, premium quality craftsmanship, ease, and value. Internally, we reinforce this with two additional commitments. The first is that our jewelry is made to be worn and given with confidence.

Speaker #2: This reflects why many customers choose Michael Hill, and it means maintaining strong quality standards and ensuring our products and packaging are something customers feel proud to wear and proud to give.

Speaker #2: Second, that our experience is shaped by the warmth of our New Zealand heritage. This reflects the enduring nature of the brand and the legacy we carry.

Jonathan Waecker: Second, that our experience is shaped by the warmth of our New Zealand heritage. This reflects the enduring nature of the brand and the legacy we carry. For many of our customers, our brand story matters because it connects with their own sense of identity and heritage. Having covered why we exist, let us now turn to how we win and where the real choices, trade-offs, and investment decisions sit for each of our two brands. We believe the best way to deliver on this for Michael Hill is by focusing on three priorities, growing customers, growing profit, and growing engagement. All three are underpinned by a strong foundation of people, culture, and operating discipline. Growing customers means expanding our reach across channels and across markets. Growing profit means growing in a disciplined way, strengthening our margins while keeping a clear focus on costs.

Speaker #2: And for many of our customers, our brand story matters because it connects with their own sense of identity and location. So, having covered why we exist, let's now turn to how we win and where the real choices, trade-offs, and investment decisions sit for each of our two brands.

Speaker #2: We believe the best way to deliver on this for Michael Hill is by focusing on three priorities: growing customers, growing profit, and growing engagement.

Speaker #2: All three are underpinned by a strong foundation of people, culture, and operating discipline. Growing customers means expanding our reach across channels and across markets.

Speaker #2: Growing profit means growing in a disciplined way, strengthening our margins while keeping a clear focus on costs. And growing engagement means deepening our relationship with customers through expanding our investments in services, loyalty, and driving better customer experiences both in-store and online.

Jonathan Waecker: Growing engagement means deepening our relationship with customers through expanding our investments in services, loyalty, and driving better customer experiences both in-store and online. Together, these three priorities form the core of how we measure success across the Michael Hill business. Delivering them means raising performance standards across the group and using our data and emerging AI capabilities to make stronger decisions faster. It is important that our incentives reinforce this. Our group executive incentives are aligned to our EBIT ambition and to the strategic outcomes we are driving. Turning to Bevilles, our purpose is clear: deliver the look for less. Following the reset this year, our strategy to do that is intentionally simple: to win on value, to move fast, and to run lean. Winning on value means delivering unmistakable customer value through strong promotions and disciplined margin management.

Speaker #2: Together, these three priorities form the core of how we measure success across the Michael Hill business. Delivering them means raising performance standards across the group, and using our data and emerging AI capabilities to make stronger decisions, faster.

Speaker #2: And it's important that our incentives reinforce this. Our group executive incentives are aligned to our EBIT ambition and to the strategic outcomes we are driving.

Speaker #2: Turning to bevels, our purpose is clear: deliver the look for less. Following the reset this year, our strategy to do that is intentionally simple.

Speaker #2: To win on value, to move fast, and to run lean. Winning on value means delivering unmistakable customer value through strong promotions and disciplined margin management.

Speaker #2: Moving fast means maximizing inventory velocity and return on capital through rapid sell-through and a simplified range. Running lean means building structural advantage in the category.

Jonathan Waecker: Moving fast means maximizing inventory velocity and return on capital through rapid sell-through and a simplified range. Running lean means building structural advantage in the category through a highly competitive cost of goods, strong sourcing and spend discipline, and improvements in inventory productivity. All of this is supported by a cultural reset in how we operate, raising performance standards and strengthening decision discipline across the business. Product quality and focus remain key to both brands. For Michael Hill, we operate in accessible luxury. That means we are design-led, emotionally driven products delivered with a luxury experience at an accessible price point. We are not competing on price. We compete on experience and value, where value comes from design, craftsmanship, and brand. We are focused on creating products that drive demand and excitement through value-driven categories, limited releases, and focused product storytelling.

Speaker #2: Through a highly competitive cost of goods, strong sourcing and spend discipline, and improvements in inventory productivity. All of this is supported by a cultural reset in how we operate.

Speaker #2: We are raising performance standards and strengthening decision discipline across the business. Product quality and focus remain key to both brands. For Michael Hill, we operate in accessible luxury.

Speaker #2: That means we are design-led, emotionally driven products delivered with a luxury experience at an accessible price point. We're not competing on price; we compete on experience and value.

Speaker #2: Our value comes from design, craftsmanship, and brand. We are focused on creating products that drive demand and excitement through value-driven categories, limited releases, and focused product storytelling.

Speaker #2: We are innovating at scale across key growth areas, including men's, basics, bridal, and Michael Hill watches. We are also expanding personalization, custom, and bespoke experiences to create emotionally driven product journeys.

Jonathan Waecker: We are innovating at scale across key growth areas, including men's, basics, bridal, and Michael Hill watches. We are expanding personalization, custom, and bespoke experiences to create emotionally driven product journeys. We are also focused on capturing the full diamond opportunity, with premium lab-grown diamonds capturing growth and natural diamonds reinforcing our premium positioning while continuing to drive inventory productivity and agility across the range. Bevilles plays a very different role. There, we are engineering value and reacting fast to customer needs. The focus in Bevilles is the look for less with opportunistic buying and sharp price competition, taking on competitors through pace, efficiency, and disciplined execution. Building on FY2026, our priorities for the year ahead remain sharp. In Canada, we are increasing investment in marketing and inventory to build brand awareness and to capitalize on productivity gains.

Jonathan Waecker: We are innovating at scale across key growth areas, including men's, basics, bridal, and Michael Hill watches. We are expanding personalization, custom, and bespoke experiences to create emotionally driven product journeys. We are also focused on capturing the full diamond opportunity, with premium lab-grown diamonds capturing growth and natural diamonds reinforcing our premium positioning while continuing to drive inventory productivity and agility across the range. Bevilles plays a very different role. There, we are engineering value and reacting fast to customer needs. The focus in Bevilles is the look for less with opportunistic buying and sharp price competition, taking on competitors through pace, efficiency, and disciplined execution. Building on FY 2026, our priorities for the year ahead remain sharp. In Canada, we are increasing investment in marketing and inventory to build brand awareness and to capitalize on productivity gains.

Speaker #2: We are also focused on capturing the full diamond opportunity, with premium lab-grown diamonds capturing growth and natural diamonds reinforcing our premium positioning, while continuing to drive inventory productivity and agility across the range.

Speaker #2: Bevels plays a very different role. There, we are engineering value and reacting fast to customer needs. The focus in Bevels is to look for less, with opportunistic buying and sharp price competition—taking on competitors through pace, efficiency, and disciplined execution.

Speaker #2: So, building on FY26, our priorities for the year ahead remain sharp. In Canada, we are increasing investment in marketing and inventory to build brand awareness and to capitalize on productivity gains.

Speaker #2: As Elodie mentioned, we also plan to refit five of our top six stores while exploring new sites in the country. In Australia and New Zealand, we are refreshing stores with lower-cost fit-outs, including a new Auckland CBD flagship and another new store opening in New Zealand later in the first half.

Jonathan Waecker: As Elodie mentioned, we also plan to refit five of our top six stores while exploring new sites in the country. In Australia and New Zealand, we are refreshing stores with lower-cost fit outs, including a new Auckland CBD flagship and another new store opening in New Zealand later in the H1. We are resetting marketing and go-to-market with increased investments in productive inventory. In digital, we are continuing to invest in the online channel and customer experience, including expanding buy online pickup in-store capabilities, making key purchase journeys more experiential and emotional, and enhancing clienteling to equip our frontline teams to have deeper, stronger customer relationships across all channels. In product, we are focused on capturing the full diamond opportunity, strengthening design leadership with clear creative direction and strong color launches. We are also introducing more newness and availability through value-driven categories, limited releases, and focused product storytelling.

Speaker #2: We are resetting marketing and go-to-market with increased investments in productive inventory. In digital, we are continuing to invest in the online channel and customer experience, including expanding buy online, pickup in store capabilities.

Speaker #2: Making key purchase journeys more experiential and emotional, and enhancing client telling to quickly equip our frontline teams to have deeper, stronger customer relationships across all channels.

Speaker #2: In Product, we are focused on capturing the full diamond opportunity, strengthening design leadership with clear creative direction and strong color launches. We are also introducing more newness and availability through value-driven categories, limited releases, and focused product storytelling.

Speaker #2: In services, we are expanding personalization, custom, and bespoke experiences across the network, and improving high-engagement services, including aftercare experiences and product care plans.

Jonathan Waecker: In services, we are expanding personalization, custom, and bespoke experiences across the network and improving high-engagement services, including aftercare experiences and product care plans. The Bevilles reset continues under new leadership with an updated go-to-market approach for the value segment. To support becoming an AI-powered retailer, we are continuing to focus on a people-first approach. This means we are mindset first, skill set second, and tool set third, using AI as a force multiplier for our teams. We have also activated a partnership with Impact Analytics and are building an AI-driven demand forecasting and planning capability to support further improvements in inventory productivity and agility, which we expect to go live during the H2. Turning now to current trading.

Speaker #2: The Bevels reset continues under new leadership, with an updated go-to-market approach for the value segment. To support our goal of becoming an AI-powered retailer, we are continuing to focus on a people-first approach.

Speaker #2: This means we are mindset first, skill set second, and tool set third, using AI as a force multiplier for our teams. We've also activated a partnership with Impact Analytics and are building an AI-driven demand forecasting and planning capability to support further improvements in inventory productivity and agility.

Speaker #2: Which we expect to go live during the second half. Turning now to current trading, we are seeing year-on-year sales improvements through the first eight weeks of FY27, despite an uncertain macroeconomic environment, with gross margins also strengthening during the first eight weeks and over the prior year.

Jonathan Waecker: We are seeing a year-on-year sales improvement through the first 8 weeks of FY27, despite an uncertain macroeconomic environment, with gross margins also strengthening during the first 8 weeks and over the prior year. Group same-store sales grew 4.4% on a constant currency basis, flat in AUD terms. In local currency, same-store sales have increased across all markets. They are up 9.8% in Canada, up 1.7% in Australia, and up 3.3% in New Zealand. Our focus from here remains on profitable growth, including the sustained growth of gross profit dollars and maintaining tight cost discipline. Before we move into Q&A, I would also like to note that as a part of our broader reset, we are also refreshing skills and capability across both the executive team and the board, with succession planning a key focus.

Jonathan Waecker: We are seeing a year-on-year sales improvement through the first 8 weeks of FY 27, despite an uncertain macroeconomic environment, with gross margins also strengthening during the first 8 weeks and over the prior year. Group same-store sales grew 4.4% on a constant currency basis, flat in AUD terms. In local currency, same-store sales have increased across all markets. They are up 9.8% in Canada, up 1.7% in Australia, and up 3.3% in New Zealand. Our focus from here remains on profitable growth, including the sustained growth of gross profit dollars and maintaining tight cost discipline. Before we move into Q and A, I would also like to note that as a part of our broader reset, we are also refreshing skills and capability across both the executive team and the board, with succession planning a key focus.

Speaker #2: Group same-store sales grew 4.4% on a constant currency basis, flat in Australian dollar terms. In local currency, same-store sales have increased across all markets.

Speaker #2: They are up 9.8% in Canada, up 1.7% in Australia, and up 3.3% in New Zealand. Our focus from here remains on profitable growth, including sustained growth of gross profit dollars and maintaining tight cost disciplines.

Speaker #2: Before we move into Q&A, I'd also like to note that as part of our broader reset, we are also refreshing skills and capability across both the executive team and the board.

Speaker #2: With succession planning a key focus, from a board perspective, Rob Clive has advised the board of his intention to retire as a director and Chair of the company.

Jonathan Waecker: From a board perspective, Rob Fyfe has advised the board of his intention to retire as a director and Chair of the company, effective later this year on 28 November, while appointing current Non-Executive Director, Claudia Batten, to succeed him as Chair. Rob will remain Chair until Claudia assumes the role on 28 November 2026. In addition, the board is also pleased to announce the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors, Karen Bozic and Mark Bayliss, who bring highly complementary retail, transformation, audit and risk experiences and who will strengthen the board's capability and support our long-term succession planning in the process. To conclude, FY26 represents a significant step forward for Michael Hill. The turnaround strategy has delivered record group revenue. Same-store sales are up in every market. EBIT is up 57%. We have a materially stronger balance sheet, and we restored the dividend.

Jonathan Waecker: From a board perspective, Rob Fyfe has advised the board of his intention to retire as a director and Chair of the company, effective later this year on 28 November, while appointing current Non-Executive Director, Claudia Batten, to succeed him as Chair. Rob will remain Chair until Claudia assumes the role on 28 November 2026. In addition, the board is also pleased to announce the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors, Karen Bozic and Mark Bayliss, who bring highly complementary retail, transformation, audit and risk experiences and who will strengthen the board's capability and support our long-term succession planning in the process. To conclude, FY 26 represents a significant step forward for Michael Hill. The turnaround strategy has delivered record group revenue. Same-store sales are up in every market. EBIT is up 57%. We have a materially stronger balance sheet, and we restored the dividend.

Speaker #2: Effective later this year, on the 28th of November, while appointing current non-executive director Claudia Batten to succeed him as Chair. Rob will remain Chair until Claudia assumes the role on the 28th of November, 2026.

Speaker #2: In addition, the Board is also pleased to announce the appointment of two new non-executive directors, Karen Bozek and Mark Bayless, who bring highly complementary retail, transformation, audit, and risk experiences, and who will strengthen the Board's capability and support our long-term succession planning in the process.

Speaker #2: To conclude, FY26 represents a significant step forward for Michael Hill. The turnaround strategy has delivered record group revenue, and same store sales are up in every market.

Speaker #2: EBIT is up 57%. We have a materially stronger balance sheet, and we've restored the dividends. There is still plenty more for us to do.

Jonathan Waecker: There is still plenty more for us to do, but the turnaround is taking hold. Thank you for your continued interest and for your continued support. I will now open the line for any questions.

Speaker #2: But the turnaround is taking hold. Thank you for your continued interest and for your continued support. I'll now open the line for any questions.

Speaker #1: Thank you. If you have not yet submitted if you have not yet submitted a live audio question, please do so now. I will introduce each caller by name and ask you to go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. If you have not yet submitted a live audio question, please do so now. I will introduce each caller by name and ask you to go ahead. You will then hear a beep indicating your microphone is live. Our first question comes from Kieran Carlin from Craigs Investment Partners. Kieran, please go ahead.

Operator: Thank you. If you have not yet submitted a live audio question, please do so now. I will introduce each caller by name and ask you to go ahead. You will then hear a beep indicating your microphone is live. Our first question comes from Kieran Carling from Craigs Investment Partners. Kieran, please go ahead.

Speaker #1: You will then hear a beep, indicating your microphone is live. Our first question comes from Kieran Carling from Craigs Investment Partners. Kieran, please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Do you want to, Kieran?

Jonathan Waecker: Good morning, Kieran.

Speaker #4: Good morning, Kieran.

Elodie Guillaumond: Morning, Kieran.

Speaker #3: Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Yeah. Hey, guys.

Kieran Carlin: Can you hear us?

Jonathan Waecker: Can you hear us?

Kieran Carlin: Morning, guys. Can you hear me okay?

Kieran Carling: Morning, guys. Can you hear me okay?

Speaker #4: Hey, hi. Yeah, yeah.

Jonathan Waecker: Hey. Hi.

Jonathan Waecker: Hey.

Elodie Guillaumond: Hi.

Elodie Guillaumond: Yeah.

Jonathan Waecker: Yeah.

Speaker #3: Yep.

Elodie Guillaumond: Yeah.

Elodie Guillaumond: Yep.

Jonathan Waecker: Yep.

Speaker #1: Great, thank you. Thanks for the presentation. The first couple of questions from me are just on your outlook commentary. It looks as though Canada and New Zealand same store sales are fairly flat on FY26 levels.

Kieran Carlin: Great. Thank you. Thanks for the presentation. First couple of questions from me are just on your outlook commentary. It looks as though Canada and New Zealand same-store sales are fairly flat on FY2026 levels through the first 8 weeks, but Aussie seems to have drifted off a little bit. Can you just talk to what trends you are seeing in that market, and whether trading is stable or getting progressively worse?

Kieran Carling: Great. Thank you. Thanks for the presentation. First couple of questions from me are just on your outlook commentary. It looks as though Canada and New Zealand same-store sales are fairly flat on FY 2026 levels through the first 8 weeks, but Aussie seems to have drifted off a little bit. Can you just talk to what trends you are seeing in that market, and whether trading is stable or getting progressively worse?

Speaker #1: Through the first eight weeks, but Aussie seems to have drifted off a little bit. Can you just talk to what trends you're seeing in that market, and whether trading is stable or getting progressively worse?

Speaker #3: Yeah, so I think a couple of things on the outlook. First, we're seeing growth on growth in Canada and Australia, which we're really pleased about.

Jonathan Waecker: Yeah. I think a couple of things on the outlook. First, we are seeing growth on growth in Canada and Australia, which we are really pleased about. In addition to top-line sales growth, seeing the margin grow at the same time gives us a lot of confidence in both markets. New Zealand this time last year was seeing a decline and has turned to growth. Across all three segments, we are definitely encouraged. Where they diverge a little bit, and one of the big tenets of our strategy is obviously allowing the markets to kind of tap into their respective strengths while also supporting them to attack any potential challenges. New Zealand remains a highly promotional market for us, and we see continued pressure to continue showing up for customers with real value there.

Speaker #3: And in addition to top-line sales growth, I think seeing the margin grow at the same time gives us a lot of confidence in both markets.

Speaker #3: And then New Zealand, this time last year, was seeing a decline and has turned to growth. So across all three segments, we're definitely encouraged.

Speaker #3: Where they diverge a little bit—and one of the big tenets of our strategy—is obviously allowing the markets to kind of tap into their respective strengths, while also supporting them to attack any potential challenges.

Speaker #3: New Zealand remains a highly promotional market for us, and we see continued pressure to keep showing up for customers with real value there. Australia is definitely a market where we're seeing continued strength across both the Bevilles and the Michael Hill brands.

Jonathan Waecker: Australia is definitely a market where we are seeing continued strength across both the Bevilles and Michael Hill brands, to varying degrees, depending on the state. But on average, right now, the Australian market continues to be supported. In Canada, we are just facing into a market with an incredible amount of opportunity. Largely driven by the resilience of that market as far as we can tell, and our respectively small market share, which we are growing into quite nicely, and that includes both stores and online. I mean, 22% online growth in a market like Canada is quite excellent.

Speaker #3: To varying degrees, depending on the state, but on average right now, the Australian market continues to be supported. And in Canada, we're just facing into a market with an incredible amount of opportunity.

Speaker #3: Largely driven by the resilience of that market, as far as we can tell, and our respectively small market share, which we're growing into quite nicely.

Speaker #3: And that includes both stores and online. I mean, 22% online growth in a market like Canada is quite excellent.

Speaker #1: Okay, thanks. But just on Aussie in particular, I mean, are you seeing the—I mean, we've heard from a couple of retailers recently who have sort of shown that trends have been getting worse in that market in recent weeks or months.

Kieran Carlin: Okay, thanks. But just on Aussie in particular, we have heard from a couple of retailers recently who have shown that trends have been getting worse in that market in recent weeks or months. So I am just wondering if you are seeing that same trend or whether trading is fairly stable.

Kieran Carling: Okay, thanks. But just on Aussie in particular, we have heard from a couple of retailers recently who have shown that trends have been getting worse in that market in recent weeks or months. So I am just wondering if you are seeing that same trend or whether trading is fairly stable.

Speaker #1: So, I'm just wondering if you're seeing that same trend, or whether trading's fairly stable.

Speaker #3: I mean, we've seen the outlook from other retailers where they've had declines in the first eight weeks, so we're pleased that we've had growth.

Jonathan Waecker: We have seen the outlook from other retailers where they have had declines in the first 8 weeks. So we are pleased that we have had growth. What I would say is our business tends to do its best work during big promotional periods, which we will experience over the next 4 months as we round out the back half of H1. So it is more appropriate for us to have a conversation at that point. But I would say for the first 8 weeks is that it is really important that we continue to show up for customers in Australia with value. But we are continuing to see people pick us, and that is at higher price points as well as at value-driven price points. So we are seeing momentum in both segments.

Speaker #3: What I would say is our business tends to do its best work during big promotional periods, which we will experience over the next four months as we round out the back half of H1.

Speaker #3: So it's more appropriate for us to have a conversation at that point. But I would say for the first eight weeks, it's really important that we continue to show up for customers in Australia with value, and we're continuing to see people pick us.

Speaker #3: And that's at higher price points, as well as at value-driven price points. So we're seeing momentum in both segments.

Speaker #1: Okay, thank you. And you talk about expecting continued profitable growth for the year ahead. Are you able to elaborate on that at all? I appreciate the macro backdrop is still fairly uncertain, but if you can give any sort of steer on OPEX or gross margin assumptions for the year ahead, that would be useful.

Kieran Carlin: Okay, thank you. You talk about expecting continued profitable growth for the year ahead. Are you able to elaborate on that at all? I appreciate the macro backdrop is still fairly uncertain, but if you can give any steer on OpEx or gross margin assumptions for the year ahead, that would be useful.

Kieran Carling: Okay, thank you. You talk about expecting continued profitable growth for the year ahead. Are you able to elaborate on that at all? I appreciate the macro backdrop is still fairly uncertain, but if you can give any steer on OpEx or gross margin assumptions for the year ahead, that would be useful.

Speaker #3: I'll give it over to Elodie and let her speak to that one.

Jonathan Waecker: I'll give this over to Elodie and let her speak to that one.

Speaker #4: Sure. So as you can see, Kieran, building on strong results for this year, we're really working on increasing sales from a top-line point of view.

Elodie Guillaumond: Sure. As you can see, Kieran, building on strong results for this year, we're really working on increasing sales from a top-line point of view. From a margin point of view, as we said during the investor day, we are driving for increase in gross margin. But for us, it's really a balance of driving that gross profit dollars. We would expect that just to be flat to slight growth into the year. From operating expenses, as we are really investing a bit more in this year to deliver our strategy, I would expect our cost of doing business to actually remain flat or really nominally lower than what you would have seen in FY2026.

Speaker #4: I think, from a margin point of view, as we said during the investor day, we are driving for an increase in gross margin. But for us, it's really a balance of driving that gross profit dollars.

Speaker #4: But we would expect at least to be flat, to slight growth into the year. From an operating expenses perspective, as we are really investing a bit more this year to deliver our strategy, I would expect that cost of doing business to actually remain flat, or really, normally lower than what you would have seen in FY26.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Are there any further questions? If not, I will now hand back to Jonathan to close out the meeting.

Operator: Thank you. As there are no further questions, I will now hand back to Jonathan to close out the meeting.

Speaker #3: Great. Thank you so much. I'll just close out this presentation by bringing us back to the beginning. I couldn't be more proud of the team.

Jonathan Waecker: Great. Thank you so much. I'll just close out this presentation by bringing us back to the beginning. I couldn't be more proud of the team. We have a new leadership team in place driving the reset. We've started FY2026 by really focusing on excellent retail fundamentals, listening to our customers, and listening to people. That took us through the year where we've simplified the portfolio and really are getting back to focusing on our number one brand, which is Michael Hill, and really focusing on that as our international brand, while buttressing Bevilles to return to growth to be our value brand here in the Australian segment. We're doing that by focusing on execution, sharpening product curation, personalized ranges, tailoring our go-to-market, clarifying our pricing architecture, improving our promo discipline, and really strengthening our customer experience in every store.

Jonathan Waecker: Great. Thank you so much. I'll just close out this presentation by bringing us back to the beginning. I couldn't be more proud of the team. We have a new leadership team in place driving the reset. We've started FY 2026 by really focusing on excellent retail fundamentals, listening to our customers, and listening to people. That took us through the year where we've simplified the portfolio and really are getting back to focusing on our number one brand, which is Michael Hill, and really focusing on that as our international brand, while buttressing Bevilles to return to growth to be our value brand here in the Australian segment. We're doing that by focusing on execution, sharpening product curation, personalized ranges, tailoring our go-to-market, clarifying our pricing architecture, improving our promo discipline, and really strengthening our customer experience in every store.

Speaker #3: We have a new leadership team in place, driving the reset. We've started FY26 by really focusing on excellent retail fundamentals, listening to our customers, and listening to our people.

Speaker #3: That took us through the year, where we've simplified the portfolio and really are getting back to focusing on our number one brand, which is Michael Hill.

Speaker #3: And really focusing on that as our international brand, while buttressing Bevels to return to growth to be our value brand here in the Australian segment.

Speaker #3: We're doing that by focusing on execution, sharpening product curation and personalized ranges, tailoring our go-to-market, clarifying our pricing architecture, and improving our promo discipline. And we're really strengthening our customer experience in every store. As Elodie mentioned earlier, we're seeing improvements in our store refits across average transaction values, margin, and conversion, which gives us a lot of confidence.

Jonathan Waecker: As Elodie Guillaumond mentioned earlier, we are seeing improvements in our store refits across average transaction values, margin, and conversion, which gives us a lot of confidence. As a result, the FY2026 results that we shared with you today really do demonstrate our turnaround strategy is working. Sales grew in every market. EBIT is up 57%. We have strengthened the balance sheet. We have restored the dividend. We are making progress against our growth engine. We still have a lot of work in front of us. We have a lot of work to do, but for our first year together, we are very pleased with the results. Thank you very much. Thank you for your support. I will talk to you again soon.

Jonathan Waecker: As Elodie Guillaumond mentioned earlier, we are seeing improvements in our store refits across average transaction values, margin, and conversion, which gives us a lot of confidence. As a result, the FY 2026 results that we shared with you today really do demonstrate our turnaround strategy is working. Sales grew in every market. EBIT is up 57%. We have strengthened the balance sheet. We have restored the dividend. We are making progress against our growth engine. We still have a lot of work in front of us. We have a lot of work to do, but for our first year together, we are very pleased with the results. Thank you very much. Thank you for your support. I will talk to you again soon.

Speaker #3: As a result, the FY26 results that we shared with you today really do demonstrate our turnaround strategy is working. Sales grew in every market.

Speaker #3: EBIT is up 57%. We've strengthened the balance sheet, restored the dividend, and we're making progress against our growth engines. We still have a lot of work in front of us.

Speaker #3: We have a lot of work to do, but for our first year together, we're very pleased with the results. Thank you very much. Thank you for your support.

Speaker #3: I'll talk to you again soon.

Operator: Thank you. That concludes today's call. You may now log out.

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