Australian shares traded lower towards midday on Friday, with the S&P/ASX 200 at 9,068.80, down approximately 0.85%. Nine of the 11 sectors declined as investors continued to assess the overnight news of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s resignation, with real estate, materials and technology stocks leading the losses.
Property stocks were among the weakest performers, with Goodman Group falling nearly 2%, while Scentre Group and Vicinity Centres declined around 0.8%. The major banks also traded lower as executives appeared before a parliamentary committee in Canberra.
In small cap company news:
Senetas targets earnings growth as encryption demand strengthens
Senetas (ASX: SEN) reported FY2026 revenue of $20.2 million, up 4.7%, with product sales rising 22% and operating cash flow improving by $8 million to $4.4 million. The company highlighted growing demand for its encryption products across defence, government and critical infrastructure markets. Senetas expects further revenue growth in FY2027, supported by opportunities in Asia, the Middle East and South America. The company also flagged a potential liquidity event involving its $21 million investment in Menlo Security within the next 12 to 18 months, while continuing to assess further capital returns. For the full AGM address and meeting results, please click here.
Big River agrees to $156 million takeover proposal
Big River Industries (ASX: BRI) entered into a binding agreement with CTL for a proposed acquisition valuing its equity at approximately $156 million. Shareholders would receive $1.62 per share in cash, representing a 45.9% premium to the previous closing price. The board unanimously recommended the proposal, subject to customary qualifications, with major shareholders controlling approximately 59.5% indicating their support. Completion is targeted for the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory, shareholder and court approvals.
Artrya secures five-year US hospital agreement
Artrya (ASX: AYA) signed a five-year commercial agreement with Arizona-based HonorHealth for its AI-powered Salix coronary imaging platform, with a minimum contracted value of US$500,000. HonorHealth becomes the company’s fifth US commercial customer. he platform will be deployed across HonorHealth’s nine-hospital network, generating recurring subscription revenue with potential additional scan-based fees. The agreement expands Artrya’s commercial presence in the US healthcare market.
Mach7 signs five-year US healthcare contract
Mach7 Technologies (ASX: M7T) secured a five-year subscription agreement with Philadelphia-based Temple Health for its eUnity imaging viewer and Vendor Neutral Archive software. he contract is expected to generate approximately A$500,000 in annual recurring revenue following implementation, with initial productive use expected within six to 12 months. The agreement expands Mach7’s presence among major US healthcare systems.
Beach Energy joint venture encounters strong gas shows
Beach Energy (ASX: BPT) joint venture partner Omega Oil & Gas reported its strongest gas shows to date at the Canyon North-1 well in Queensland’s Taroom Trough. The well reached 4,700 metres, making it the deepest drilled in Queensland. Beach holds a 25% interest in the project, where gas was brought to surface and safely flared during drilling. Further logging and evaluation will assess the results, with additional drilling and flow testing planned. No commercial flow rates have yet been established.
