$BSL

Macquarie’s Australian equity strategy update says week two of earnings season saw net EPS beats averaging 5%, down from 23% in week one. Dividend per share surprises were more positive at 21% and showed a 65% correlation with two-day stock moves. Macquarie favors BlueScope Steel (BSL), Reliance Worldwide (RWC), and Reece (REH), and is least favorable on Growthpoint Properties (GOZ), Whitehaven Coal (WHC), The Lottery Corporation (TLC), TPG Telecom (TPG), and Fortescue (FMG).

Basler Aktiengesellschaft reported half-year results, with revenue of €152m and statutory EPS of €0.38, both in line with analyst estimates, while shares fell 4.6% to €23.85 over the week. Three analysts raised 2026 revenue to €295.0m and EPS to €0.96, from €281.2m and €0.93. The €29.00 price target was unchanged.

BlueScope Steel (ASX:BSL) rose 1.02% to A$33.79, near a 18-year high, after trading above the A$34.00 look-through value from the latest rejected non-binding takeover proposal. The board rejected an earlier A$30 offer and a revised A$32.35 offer. Investors also cite Feb earnings and a 2026 A$3.00/share capital return target.

UBS research highlights three ASX 200 stocks for the next 12 months. It reinitiated coverage of SGH after its BlueScope bid period, citing a $500m buyback and expecting disciplined capital returns, with a $58 target. For BlueScope, UBS forecasts US steel spread moderation and buybacks, targeting $37.50. For CSL, UBS expects steady results amid sector headwinds, targeting $158.

British Smaller Companies VCT plc said it paid an interim dividend of 2.00 pence per ordinary share for the year ending 31 March 2027 on 17 July 2026, with a record date of 19 June 2026. It also issued 1,597,553 new shares under its DRIS at 74.90 pence each, based on NAV adjusted for the dividend.

BlueScope Steel (ASX: BSL) shares are up 30.32% YTD to A$31.46 after a ~10% pullback. Goldman Sachs reinstated coverage with a Buy rating and A$37.70 price target, citing improving steel price spreads, earnings momentum and free cash flow. BlueScope also announced a A$1.00 special dividend (ex 20 Jan 2026) and a A$150m productivity program into FY26.

Antique Stock Broking kept “Hold” ratings on largecap IT services—TCS (target Rs 2,900), Infosys (Rs 1,390), HCL Tech (Rs 1,430), Wipro (Rs 225), Tech Mahindra (Rs 1,550)—and preferred select midcaps Coforge (Rs 5,625) and Mphasis (Rs 1,875) as well as other “Buy” names. It cited cautious US retail commentary, fading tax-refund benefits, and macro risks. It expects gradual erosion of traditional services and says AI monetization is the key theme.