Shares in Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) fell around 7% on Thursday, even after the infrastructure investment company delivered a strong interim result for the six months ended 30 September 2025.
The share price decline likely reflects investor caution around tightening earnings guidance and higher capital expenditure forecasts.
What did Infratil report?
Infratil reported proportionate operational EBITDAF of NZ$514 million, up 7% on the prior year, driven by stronger earnings contributions from CDC Data Centres and Longroad Energy in the United States.
Net parent surplus came in at NZ$606 million, a major turnaround from last year's NZ$247 million loss, thanks to revaluation gains at CDC and the sale of its stake in Manawa Energy.
The group's total asset value climbed to NZ$19 billion, up NZ$735 million from March, supported by portfolio revaluations and selective acquisitions.
However, management slightly narrowed full-year guidance for group EBITDAF to NZ$960– NZ$1,000 million, reflecting the impact of recent divestments and adjustments to capital spending.
What did management say?
CEO Jason Boyes said the results demonstrate the company's ability to grow through "the noise of market and regulatory challenges," adding that Infratil's focus now is on simplifying the portfolio and recycling capital into higher-growth assets.
During the half, Infratil:
- Announced the sale of Fortysouth and legacy property assets for $250 million, part of its $1 billion divestment target.
- Increased its holding in Contact Energy Ltd (ASX: CEN) to 14.3% following the Manawa sale.
- Confirmed plans to invest an additional A$250 million in CDC to accelerate capacity expansion in Australia
These moves underline the company's capital discipline but also raise near-term spending needs — a factor that may have unsettled investors today.
Steady dividend
Infratil declared an interim dividend of 7.25 cents per share, matching last year's payout, with a 2% discount on its dividend reinvestment plan. Management guided to a modest 2% increase in the final dividend later this year
At the current share price, this equates to a dividend yield of about 2%, which is relatively modest and perhaps another reason why income investors are sitting on the sidelines.
The bottom line
Infratil's half-year results show a business performing well operationally, with its renewable and digital assets continuing to deliver growth. But with a narrowing outlook, rising capital expenditure, and a rich valuation after a strong year, the market reaction suggests investors are pausing for breath.
For long-term investors, Infratil's diversified exposure to data centres, renewables, and critical infrastructure remains a powerful theme, even if the market's enthusiasm cooled today.
