2221 GMT - For Forsyth Barr, the key disappointment in KMD Brands's latest update was the higher-than-expected net debt position. KMD signaled net debt of NZ$63 million-NZ$66 million in FY26. That was materially above Forsyth Barr's forecast for a modest net cash position. Analyst Paul Laxton Koraua says the miss reflected changes to KMD's supplier terms, elevated inventory, and an NZ$8 million currency-translation impact on its Australian dollar denominated debt. Some one-off capital boosts are likely in FY27. They include US$5 million of tariff refunds. Still, the net debt position "requires disciplined execution through FY27 ahead of the NZ$43 million reduction in its debt facility," Forsyth Barr says. Its price target falls 7.0%, to NZ$2.00/share. KMD is up 0.9%, at NZ$1.72, today. (david.winning@wsj.com; @dwinningWSJ)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 23, 2026 18:21 ET (22:21 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.