Here are the key changes to know about in the New Zealand equity market; a2 Milk, Chorus, Vector, and Skellerup lead today's gainers, while SkyCity casino, Summerset, Mainfreight, and Scales are the main decliners

Here are the key things you need to know about in the NZX markets over the past 24 hours. Changes are as at 3:00 pm and may change when the market closes at 4:45 pm.

WHAT THE NZX 50 INDEX IS DOING
The NZX50 has gained a minor +0.1% so far today, down -0.7% over the last five days. Year-on-year the index has gained +3.6%.

THE MAIN GAINERS
There were 46 stocks with gains today and the four biggest for those in the NZX50 matched up +2%. Those four companies today companies were a2 Milk (ATM, #7), Chorus (CNU, #14), Vector (VCT, #11), and Skellerup (SKL, #33). a2 Milk has declined -8% month-on-month remaining strong year-on-year up +53%. Chorus has gained +3% over the last five days, up +11% year-on-year. Vector has also gained +3% over the past five days, gaining +26% year-on-year. Skellerup is up +2%, gaining +5% year-on-year.

THE MAIN DECLINERS
29 stocks declined in the NZX equity market with few coming from the NZX50. SkyCity Entertainment (SKC, #32) declined -2%, but gains +7% month-on-month. Year-on-year SkyCity has declined by -27%. Summerset Group Holdings (SUM, #17) also declined by -2% but is down -5% month-on-month. Year-on-year SUM is down -9%. Mainfreight (MFT, #8) also dropped -2%, falling by -4% year-on-year. Scales Corp (SCL, #36) declined -1%, down -4% over the past five days. Year-on-year Scales Corp has gained +40%.

SMARTSHARES EFTs

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sky (SKT, #47) has expanded its partnership with Paramount Global Content Distribution, securing exclusive access to a broad slate of US premium drama, procedurals, kids and comedy content for Sky and Neon. Chief Executive Sophie Moloney said the deal marks a major step in Sky’s refreshed entertainment strategy, strengthening its content offering with data‑driven curation and deeper studio partnerships. Paramount’s Yellowstone was a standout performer for Sky in FY25, and the new agreement builds on that success with thousands of hours of premium programming, including exclusive access to new SHOWTIME, Paramount+ and CBS series.

Santana Minerals (SMI) Bendigo‑Ophir Gold Project reported strong progress in the December 2025 quarter, with construction targeted for mid‑2026. The company’s Fast‑track Approvals Act application was accepted by the EPA, and NZPAM granted a 30‑year mining permit covering the Rise & Shine and satellite deposits. Agreements were secured for key freehold land, early site works advanced, and project financing and technical reviews moved forward. The company ended the quarter with AUD$85mln in cash and no debt, and reported high‑grade drilling at the RAS North Honeypot zone, including 8.7m at 30.6g/t Au. Since quarter‑end, a sharp rise in the gold price has lifted the updated PFS after‑tax NPV6.5 to A$2.77bln, while a major step‑out hole 465m north of the current resource returned 38.6m at 1.70g/t Au, extending the ore system down plunge.

Precinct Properties Group (PCT, #20) has announced that its partnership vehicle, Precinct Pacific Investment Limited Partnership, will acquire ASB North Wharf for $205 mln as part of its ongoing collaboration with global investor GIC. CEO Scott Pritchard said the purchase aligns with the partnership’s strategy of investing in high‑quality, well‑located commercial assets, noting ASB’s commitment to extend its lease to 2040 as a strong endorsement of the Wynyard Quarter precinct. Following settlement, the partnership’s portfolio value will rise to around $0.9 bln, with roughly 80% located in Auckland, and Precinct will retain a 24.9% stake while continuing to manage the assets. The acquisition remains subject to Overseas Investment Office approval, with settlement expected in the first half of 2026.

Michael Hill International (MHJ) reported a stronger trading performance for the 26 weeks to 28 December 2025, with comparable EBIT expected between $27mln and $30mln, up 12-24% on last year. Group sales rose +3.1% to $370.3mln, or 3.8% on a same‑store basis, led by record Canadian growth of +6.1%, a +4.8% lift in Australia, and a +1.8% improvement in New Zealand. Gross margin is expected to be broadly flat despite record metal input costs, supported by improved product mix and targeted promotions. Inventory reduced by around $11mln to $203mln as part of a working‑capital efficiency programme, and the Group ended the half with ~$20mln net cash, a $30mln improvement on last year following refinancing with ANZ and the addition of CBA. The store network closed the period at 285 locations, with three new MH flagship stores opened and four Michael Hill stores closed or replaced. CEO Jonathan Waecker said sharper execution and stronger Christmas trading delivered a materially improved trajectory, with disciplined planning, promotional activity and operational focus driving profitable sales growth and a return to positive net cash. Further detail will be provided at the investor briefing on the 2nd of March 2026.

Vital Healthcare Property (VHP, #23) expects to report an unrealised net property gain of around $36mln for the six months to 31 December 2025. Fourteen income‑producing properties, representing 36% of the portfolio by value, were independently valued, with the remainder assessed internally in line with policy. The weighted average capitalisation rate is expected to tighten by ~5bps to ~5.49%, with the New Zealand portfolio tightening to ~5.62% and the Australian portfolio to ~5.42%. The figures remain subject to final valuation reports, audit and board approval, with full details to be released in Vital’s HY26 results which are set to release on the 19th of February.

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