Stock Markets February 18, 2026

Zip Co Earnings Miss Sparks Near-40% Intraday Collapse

First-half cash operating earnings fall short of consensus; company flags second-half parity and says U.S. dual listing would be considered only if it serves shareholders

By Jordan Park ZIP
Zip Co Earnings Miss Sparks Near-40% Intraday Collapse
ZIP

Zip Co reported A$124.3 million in cash operating earnings for the six months ended Dec. 31, below the Visible Alpha consensus of A$128.4 million. Shares tumbled as much as 38.2% to A$1.743, marking the steepest intraday fall in more than nine years. Management said second-half group cash earnings are expected to broadly match the first half, implying full-year cash operating earnings of about A$248 million versus a Visible Alpha estimate of A$260.6 million, according to Citi. The company also said it will only pursue a U.S. dual listing if it aligns with shareholder interests.

Key Points

  • Zip Co reported A$124.3 million in cash operating earnings for the six months ended Dec. 31, under the Visible Alpha consensus of A$128.4 million.
  • Shares plunged as much as 38.2% to A$1.743, the steepest intraday percentage loss since mid-November 2014 and the weakest trading point since early May 2025, reflecting heavy market reaction.
  • Management expects second-half cash earnings to broadly match the first half, implying a full-year cash operating earnings estimate of about A$248 million, below the Visible Alpha full-year estimate of A$260.6 million (per Citi).

Zip Co reported weaker-than-expected operating results for the first half of its financial year, triggering a dramatic sell-off in the company's stock.

Results and consensus comparison

For the six-month period that ended on Dec. 31, Zip Co recorded cash operating earnings of A$124.3 million. That figure sits below the Visible Alpha consensus forecast of A$128.4 million.

Market reaction

The share price plunged as much as 38.2%, falling to A$1.743 as of 0124 GMT. That intraday decline represented the stock's weakest trading point since early May 2025 and marked its largest one-day percentage drop since mid-November 2014.

Outlook and full-year implication

Zip Co said it expects second-half group cash earnings to generally align with the results it posted in the first six months. Taken together, that outlook implies full-year cash operating earnings of roughly A$248 million. Citi noted that figure is short of the Visible Alpha full-year estimate of A$260.6 million.

Corporate capital markets update

The company told investors it will continue to monitor market conditions and would consider a dual listing on a U.S. exchange only if such a move is in the best interests of shareholders.

Currency reference

The report included the exchange rate used in market commentary: $1 equals 1.4188 Australian dollars.


This account is limited to the information released by the company and the market responses reported at the time of the announcement. No additional projections, interpretations or speculative commentary have been added beyond those items disclosed by the company and the Citi comparison to Visible Alpha estimates.

Risks

  • Actual first-half cash operating earnings were below Visible Alpha consensus, indicating near-term performance risk for investors and affecting fintech and consumer finance equities.
  • Company guidance that second-half earnings will generally align with the first half implies a full-year shortfall versus Visible Alpha expectations, creating earnings risk for equity valuation in the sector.
  • Significant share price volatility following the results introduces market risk for shareholders; any decision on a U.S. dual listing remains conditional and creates timing and execution uncertainty.

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