CXMT Forecasts Record Revenue Growth as Global DRAM Prices Surge 
Samsung Faces Major Strike Threat as Union Restarts Pay Talks 
Google, Blackstone Launch $5B AI Cloud Venture to Challenge Nvidia and CoreWeave 
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa to Reveal Turnaround Strategy Focused on U.S. Sales and China Partnerships 
Japan Airlines Signs 10-Year Boeing 787 Maintenance Deal With GE Aerospace 
OpenAI Wins Elon Musk Lawsuit as Jury Rejects Claims Over AI Mission 
Anthropic to Brief Financial Stability Board on AI-Driven Cyber Risks 
TrumpRx Expands Discount Drug Access With 600 Generic Medications 
Takeda Hit With $885M Verdict Over Amitiza Generic Drug Delay Scheme 
Samsung Strike Talks Resume as South Korea Weighs Emergency Action 
Analog Devices Nears $1.5B Acquisition of AI Chip Firm Empower Semiconductor 
US-China Trade Talks Sideline Chip Export Controls as Nvidia China Sales Draw Attention 
TSMC Stake Sale Sends Vanguard Semiconductor Shares Lower 
YouTube and Snap Settle School District Mental Health Lawsuit Ahead of Major Social Media Trial 
Honda Shares Jump as Automaker Forecasts Profit Recovery Despite Historic Loss 
Berkshire Hathaway Reveals New Stakes in Delta Air Lines and Macy’s Under Greg Abel 
Qantas Airways has posted record first-half underlying earnings, driven by resilient travel demand across its full-service and budget operations and supported by the addition of new-generation aircraft to its fleet. The Australian flag carrier reported an underlying profit before tax of A$1.46 billion for the six months ended December 31, surpassing both the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of A$1.42 billion and last year’s A$1.39 billion result.
Strong performance at Jetstar, Qantas’ low-cost subsidiary, played a key role in the airline’s earnings growth. Jetstar recorded a 38% surge in underlying operating profit, with new aircraft contributing roughly 60% of its profit increase. Solid leisure travel demand and improved fuel efficiency from newer planes strengthened margins in the competitive budget travel market.
Qantas’ domestic division posted a 5% rise in revenue, supported by increased flight capacity and steady passenger demand. However, Qantas International reported a 6% decline in earnings, largely due to higher operating costs, wage increases, and additional training expenses associated with the rollout of new aircraft.
During the first half, Qantas took delivery of nine aircraft and expects 30 more to join its fleet over the next 18 months. CEO Vanessa Hudson said the benefits of next-generation aircraft are already evident, improving operational efficiency and positioning the airline for long-term growth as more planes enter service.
Looking ahead, Qantas forecasts second-half domestic revenue growth of around 3%, consistent with the first half. Fuel costs are projected at A$2.5 billion, slightly lower than the previous period. Analysts at Jefferies described the earnings as a solid result, noting that investor attention will focus on whether strong travel demand continues.
Despite shares initially rising 4% to A$11.09, they later dipped 0.9%. Qantas also announced a A$150 million share buyback and an interim dividend of 19.8 Australian cents per share, reinforcing confidence in its financial outlook.
